What makes you beautiful.

In PIE, the root “deu-“ means “good” or “to revere”. It gives rise to the root “beu-“, “ben-“ and “bon-” in Latin which, unsurprisingly, spawn all sorts of words related to beauty and money. It is obvious now where “beauty” (literally) comes from, but what’s not obvious is that is the effemination of the word “beau” (or “beaut” for a more inclusive understanding) which refers to the suitor of the lady, all of whom are wishing for a “boon” (a prayer, usually for something good). This boon can be in form of a bonus, or even a bounty, and result in a bonanza. For a child though, just a bonbon (a type of confectionary) would suffice. 

 

 

 

But the benefit of boons is only granted to the most Benedictine (one who speaks good, closely associated with God, or Pope), to the most benign (kind, generous, just a good person) and benevolent.

To balance off the diabetic nature of the write-up I’ll just throw in that the other set of roots that spout off “deu-“ mean war, poison, destruction and death.

Just say it wasn't you

The “dictionary” is made of the principal root “dict-“. In Latin, “dict”-“ or “dicere-“ means “to speak (for)” or “to show”.⁣

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Somebody speaking then can be called to be giving “dictation”, and would themself be the “dictator”. On those lines, the place where your word is law, is said to be under your jurisdiction. Every statement you say is a “dictum”, and your decision the “verdict” (if you’re feeling fancy you can also call it “voir doir” or French for “true word”). On the other hand, if you are drawn towards someone’s (or something’s) bidding, almost as if swayed by their (or its) words, then you’re an “addict” (“ad” means towards in Latin), and we have a problem.⁣

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When your friend comes to you with a problem, after doing something stupid which you clearly told them not to do, they’re said to be in a “predicament” because you “predicted” it. Now it’s up to you (again) to “vindicate” (to show on their behalf or simply, avenge) them. Then, when you have successfully made the situation worse, you can call upon the spirit of Benwfeuvbw Ciumriaebjjfhh to sweet-talk (“bene” means “good”) your friend into showing how it was their fault all along and hopefully they’ve learnt something from this entire episode.