From the New Yorker, this little gem.

Ever since I stumbled upon it in the pages of my high-school Latin textbook, I have loved the phrase sub rosa. Literally, it means “under the rose.” In Greek mythology, Eros gave Harpocrates, the god of silence, a rose to prevent knowledge of his mother’s impropriety from spreading. Similarly, a rose hung from the ceiling of council chambers in the Middle Ages reminding members that their meetings were confidential. Today, the phrase means simply “in secret.” I am charmed by the idea that when you step beneath a rose, you enter a private, safe space—not unlike stepping beneath the mistletoe. Indeed, saying the words sub rosa, my mouth almost forms a kiss.

Read the full, short piece.

Apart from the interesting origins of sub rosa, this piece is fine prose. Victoria also refers us to a veritable treasure of favourite words. I’m adding it to my blogroll.

Tags: Language, My Favourite Word, New Yorker, Words