Salt seems to have opposite values

Posted by Lotg on May 02, 2004

In Reply to: 'salt' and 'nothing' are the same word posted by Neil Roberts on April 29, 2004

: in which language? I know there is a language in which they are the same, but can't remember which language.

: Cheers.

I don't know Neil, but the weird thing is that there are two common sayings, 'not worth his salt' and 'take it with a pinch of salt'. The former implies that salt is worth a great deal, while the latter implies that salt is worth nothing.

Why there can be two distinctly different angles on salt I don't know. I read an earlier thread that said that salt was very valuable to the Romans. When it became invaluable I don't know. So it's an interesting question.

As for what language uses the same word - sorry - dunno!!!