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Graced with Attic salt

Posted by R. Berg on May 20, 2009 at 14:47

In Reply to: Graced with Attic salt posted by ESC on May 19, 2009 at 23:30:

: : : : : I've been doing some genealogy research. Looking through a hometown newspaper -- March 1970 -- I found this filler:

: : : : : His speech was graced with Attic salt is used to mean a certain wit or vigor of style in writing in reference to the superior quality attributed to Athenian works. The Roman style was heavier, less spirited.

: : : : : Anyone know what "Attic salt" means?

: : : : It is a subtle, refined wit supposedly characteristic of (ancient) Athenians.

: : : : DFG

: : : I should, perhaps, have added that 'salt' because it added a certain 'something' to one's speech, and 'Attic' was a variation of Athenian.

: : : DFG

: : Greece is divided into peripheries. The periphery which contains Athens is Attica.

: Thanks. It's going to be hard working this into a conversation.

Right. I myself would go for "growlery" instead. ~rb

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