Castigat ridendo mores (Latin pronunciation: [kaˈstiːɡat rɪˈdɛndoː ˈmoːreːs]; "corrects through laughing customs/manners") is a Latin phrase that generally means "one corrects customs by laughing at them," or "he corrects customs by ridicule." Some commentators suggest that the phrase embodies the essence of satire; in other words, the best way to change things is to point out their absurdity and laugh at them. French Neo-Latin poet Abbé Jean de Santeul [fr] (1630–1697) allegedly coined the phrase.
The phrase is often used to explain the idea of satire in works by Molière and Marivaux.
References
- "Latin Quotes: Criticism". Latin Phrases & Quotes. Retrieved July 11, 2013.
- Felt, Scott. "Latin Phrases in Scholarly Writing". University of North Texas, Department of Criminal Justice. Archived from the original on November 4, 2013. Retrieved July 11, 2013.
- "Castigat ridendo mores. Jean de Santeul". Retrieved January 23, 2024.
- H. King, W. Francis (1965). Classical and Foreign Quotations: A Polyglot Manual of Historical and Literary Sayings Noted Passages in Poetry and Prose Phrases, Proverbs, and Bons Mots. London: J. Whitaker & Sons, Limited. p. 35.
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