Where did the word laconic come from?
Laconic comes to us by way of Latin from Greek Lakōnikos, which is derived from Lakōn, meaning “native of Laconia.” It has been with us since the 16th century and has sometimes been used with the basic meaning “of or relating to Laconia or its inhabitants” (though we’re more apt to use Laconian for this meaning today).
Does laconic mean lazy?
Over the years the word “laconic” has acquired the meaning of lazy in speech. Using few words; terse, via Latin from Greek Lakonikos, from Lakon-Laconian; Spartan; referring to the Spartans’ terseness of speech or economy of expression !
Is laconic a negative word?
The word comes from Laconia, a region in ancient Greece where the local Spartan rulers gave very short speeches. Being laconic can be bad when it sounds rude to be so brief, but it can be good if you’re in a rush to get somewhere.
What is a laconic person?
adjective. If you describe someone as laconic, you mean that they use very few words to say something, so that they seem casual or unfriendly. Usually so laconic in the office, Dr. Lahey seemed less guarded, more relaxed.
What is the difference between taciturn and laconic?
As adjectives the difference between taciturn and laconic is that taciturn is silent; temperamentally untalkative; disinclined to speak while laconic is using as few words as possible; pithy and concise.
Why are people laconic?
A laconic phrase may be used for efficiency (as during military training and operations), for emphasis, for philosophical reasons (especially among thinkers who believe in minimalism, such as Stoics), or to deflate a pompous interlocutor. A prominent example involves Philip II of Macedon.
What is a mercurial mind?
Mercurial describes someone whose mood or behavior is changeable and unpredictable, or someone who is clever, lively, and quick. With a mercurial teacher, you never know where you stand.
What is the synonyms of laconic?
Some common synonyms of laconic are compendious, concise, pithy, succinct, summary, and terse. While all these words mean “very brief in statement or expression,” laconic implies brevity to the point of seeming rude, indifferent, or mysterious.
What is an reticent person?
Full Definition of reticent 1 : inclined to be silent or uncommunicative in speech : reserved. 2 : restrained in expression, presentation, or appearance the room has an aspect of reticent dignity— A. N. Whitehead. 3 : reluctant.
Are Spartans laconic?
Laconic humour The Spartans hailed from a part of Greece known as Laconia. The word laconic in English, to speak in a blunt and concise manner, comes from this region. The Spartans were notorious for speaking bluntly and many of their enemies viewed them as primitive and uneducated.
What does laconic means?
It has been with us since the 16th century and has sometimes been used with the basic meaning “of or relating to Laconia or its inhabitants” (though we’re more apt to use “Laconian” for this meaning today). In current use, laconic means “terse” or “concise,” and thus recalls the Spartan tendency to use the fewest words possible.
What is the etymology of ‘laconic’?
“Laconic” comes to us by way of Latin from Greek Lakonikos, which is derived from Lakon, meaning “native of Laconia .”. It has been with us since the 16th century and has sometimes been used with the basic meaning “of or relating to Laconia or its inhabitants” (though we’re more apt to use “Laconian” for this meaning today).
What is the noun for laconic?
Pertaining to Laconia or its inhabitants; Lacedæmonian or Spartan.