14 Most Scary Latin Phrases

Latin may be a dead language, but that doesn’t mean it’s not still going around. Creepy Latin phrases are always a fun way to learn new words in Latin that you might be able to use to scare your friends. This article will explore the scariest Latin phrases.

The most scary Latin phrases are “oderint dum metuant,” “ibi redibis non morieris in bello,” and “sortes qui facit.” These are all great choices with meanings related to death, hatred, and fate. It’s great to use these to show that you have a profound understanding of freaky Latin phrases.

1. Oderint Dum Metuant

This phrase means “let them hate so long as they fear.” This is a great phrase to include when you want to intimidate people who have a lot of prejudice or bias.

The idea is that people can “hate” because they “fear” those around them. It’s a good way of showing that racist, sexist, homophobic, etc. people have a difficult time accepting people they perceive as “different” from them.

It shows that they are cowards, and it’s a great idiom to use to show that you do not fear those with hatred in their hearts.

2. Ibi Redibis Non Morieris in Bello

This means, “here you will return; you will not die in war.” It’s a very positive message you can use to show that you have faith and trust in someone.

People commonly used it to say goodbye to soldiers fighting in battles in Ancient Roman times.

It shows that you believe they will be fine even after the war or battle they are going through. It’s a loving phrase that shows you want to see them return to good health.

However, the phrase comes with two meanings, and it’s entirely dependent on the placement of the comma. The first comma placement is:

• Ibi redibis, non morieris in bello

When the phrase is written like this, it means, “here you will return; you will not die in war.” This is a pleasant phrase that shows you want someone to return after a battle.

On the flip side, a simple comma placement change will completely turn the meaning around.

• Ibi redibis non, morieris in bello

This time, it means, “here you do not come back; you will die in war.” It’s much scarier when it’s written in this form.

It shows that someone believes you are about to go off to die in a war. They do not expect you to come home and have already signed your death certificate.

The scariness of this phrase comes from the comma after “non.” It shows that you believe someone is going to die and you will not see them again.

3. Sortes Qui Facit

This phrase means “you have sealed your fate.” It tells someone that they have done something irreversible and nothing can be done to change the course of action their life will take now.

It’s a very spooky Latin phrase because it shows that your decisions are final. It shows that you cannot take back mistakes in your life, and you will “seal your fate” regardless of what you do.

4. Aestimatus Sum C*m Descendentibus in Lacum

This slightly longer phrase means, “I have been counted among those who climb down into the grave.” It is a phrase relating to the finite time we have on Earth as mortal beings.

It’s scary because it accepts death in the most pessimistic way. It shows that you are already on your way to the grave and can be used regardless of your age, health, or current standing in the world.

5. Factus Sum Sicut Homo Sine Adjutorio, Inter Mortuuos Liber

This phrase follows a similar creepy idea. It means, “I have become like a person without help, living among the dead.” It shows that your life is hopeless at the moment of uttering the message.

It’s a very pessimistic outlook on life, but it’s creepy because it shows that you no longer care about consequences.

This phrase is sure to spook a few people if they know what it means and know why you’re saying it.

6. Sicut Vulnerati Dormientes in Sepulcris, Quorum Non Es Memor Amplius

This is another mortal phrase showing that we only have a finite amount of time living in the world. It means “like the wounded sleeping in the graves of whom you remember no more.”

While this one doesn’t suggest that you will die soon or have accepted death, it suggests something else. It shows that people are not remembered after they die.

It’s a pessimistic way to show that everyone dies, and the things they do in the world are forgotten. It’s a good lesson to teach some people because it shows that you are unimportant and should stop putting yourself on a high pedestal.

7. Si Moreretur, Moritur

This phrase is a bit of a jokey one, but it still has creepy connotations behind it. It translates to “if he dies, he dies,” which is a direct quote from Rocky.

While this might be a quote from a modern movie, the motive behind it is still eerie. It shows that you do not need to care whether someone lives or dies if you are competing against them.

Instead, you should only focus on yourself and your ability to win. This cutthroat attitude is enough to strike fear into the hearts of most of your competitors. It’s a great way to show them that you will show no mercy.

8. Caesar Si Viveret, Ad Remum Dareris

This phrase was used a little after the fall of the Roman Empire. It means “if Caesar were alive, you’d be chained to an oar.” It shows that someone would not have the approval of the Roman Emperor Caesar because of their actions.

While it doesn’t have much merit today, it’s still a scary phrase that would have been used centuries ago.

9. Deus Vult

“Deus vult” means “God’s will.” It shows that it’s up to your God to decide what happens in your life. It reminds you that you do not have the freedom you think you do.

It lets people know that they do not have as much control of their own lives as they might want. It’s a great reminder that things happen for a reason, and it can be scary if those things are starting to backfire for the person involved.

10. Acta Deos Numquam Mortalia Fallunt

This phrase is both creepy and morally correct. It teaches a valuable moral lesson, especially to those who believe in God (or multiple Gods).

It means “moral actions never deceive the Gods.” The implication is that, no matter what you do, the Gods will always know the intent behind things.

Even if you think you’re being good, the Gods will know if you are only being good for personal gain. It’s a great one to use to scare people into doing the right thing.

11. Sanguis Bebimus Corpus Edimus Tolle Corpus Satani

This phrase has religious connotations behind it, but it’s still creepy nonetheless. It means “we drink the blood; we eat the body; raise the body of Satan.”

It starts out innocent enough. Most Christians will “drink the blood” of Christ (wine) and “eat the body” (bread or crackers). However, Christians do not say, “raise the body of Satan.”

This is included by those that worship Satan. Naturally, they are quite terrifying people to be around. That’s what makes this phrase so intimidating.

12. Mea Maxima Culpa

This phrase means “through my most grievous fault.” It works well to show that you have done something terrible and would like to be punished accordingly.

It is an exclamation to the Gods. It shows that you regret something you’ve done and do not believe there is a worthy punishment for you. It’s such a powerful phrase in Latin that it’s still heard today.

Most notably, “mea maxima culpa” appears in the Disney song “Hellfire” from The Hunback of Notre Dame. It’s a great phrase to include in the song to show that someone has sinned (by falling in love with someone he is not supposed to).

13. Kyrie Eleison

“Kyrie Eleison” is an interesting choice with religious connotations. It means “Lord have mercy,” which is a great phrase to show that you are being judged for your actions.

Any religious phrase uttered in Latin has an air of creepiness and despair to it. These are great phrases to use when you want to beg for forgiveness or show that you have done things you are not proud of.

14. Ave Satani!

Any mention of Satan is scary, regardless of the context or language used.

“Ave satani!” is a scary phrase that literally translates to “hail Satan!” It is used by Satan worshippers who believe they are following in the devil’s footsteps.

Again, this phrase isn’t specific to Latin. It would be just as scary to see “hail Satan” in any language. If the person uttering the phrase means it, you know they are a dangerous person to be around.