English
Etymology
Pseudo-Latin
Phrase
noli illegitimi carborundum
- don't|Don't let the bastards wear you down.
Note: This saying (in the first variant above?) was popularized by US General "Vinegar Joe" Stillwell during World War II. He is reputed to have learned it from British army intelligence. In politics, the saying became motto for 1964 Republican nominee Senator Barry Goldwater, who hung a sign in his office. The word "carborundum" in particular was not of Latin origin. Carborundum, is often represented as meaning grind resulting in Don't let the bastards grind you.
Alternative spellings
illegitimis non carborundum
nil illegitimi carborundum
non illegitimi carborundum
nil carborundum illegitimi
:and others
References
http://alt-usage-english.org/excerpts/fxillegi.html
Safire, William, Safire's New Political Dictionary: The Definitive Guide to the New Language of Politics, Random House, New York, 1993. (R 320.03 Sa1)
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