Meaning “by way of the anus.” “Per annum,” with two n’s…
““Meaning “by way of the anus.” “Per annum,” with two n’s, means “yearly.” The correct answer to the question, “What is the birth rate per anum?” is zero (one hopes). The Internet provides many fine examples of the perils of confusing the two. The investment firm that offers “10% interest per anum” is likely to have about as many takers as the Nigerian screenwriter who describes himself as “capable of writing 6 movies per anum” or the Sri Lankan importer whose classified ad declares, “3600 metric tonnes of garlic wanted per anum.” The individual who poses the question “How many people die horse riding per anum?” on the Ask Jeeves website has set himself up for crude, derisive blowback in the Comments block.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Confusing Latin terms “per annum” and “per anum” leads to humorous misunderstandings about rates and quantities.
In simple terms: Mix‑up of similar words causes funny errors about yearly rates.
Key Takeaway
Check spelling of Latin phrases before using them.
Themes
language
humor
miscommunication
Mood
amused
lighthearted
educational
Type
anecdotal
informative
When to use this quote
- advertising
- legal contracts
- academic writing
- online Q&A
- media reporting
Key Concepts
Latin terminology
semantic ambiguity
financial jargon
Questions to Reflect On
- How often do you verify technical terms?
- What impact can a simple typo have on credibility?
A Different Perspective
Not all readers recognize the Latin distinction, causing persistent errors.