Prestigious Quote by Cheryl Strayed
““You might, for example, be interested to know that the word “prestigious” is derived from the Latin praestigiae, which means “conjuror’s tricks.” Isn’t that interesting? This word that we use to mean honorable and esteemed has its beginnings in a word that has everything to do with illusion, deception, and trickery.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: "The Art of Asking", 2015
The term “prestigious” originally linked to deception, showing how language can mask true origins.
In simple terms: Prestige comes from a word meaning tricks.
Key Takeaway
Question the origins of words you use.
Themes
language
etymology
perception
truth
illusion
Mood
curious
reflective
Type
informative
analytical
When to use this quote
- Writing
- public speaking
- education
- media analysis
Key Concepts
Semantics
Cognitive bias
Historical linguistics
Questions to Reflect On
- How does knowing a word’s origin change its impact?
- Do we trust terms without questioning?
A Different Perspective
Words may retain hidden connotations that affect perception.
![“Virtue knowing no base repulse, shines with untarnished honour; nor does she assume or resign her emblems of honour by the will of some popular breeze. [Lat., Virtus repulse nescia sordidae, Intaminatis fulget honoribus; Nec sumit aut ponit secures Arbitrio popularis aurae.]” quote by Horace](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/117/horace-172_assuming_virtue-knowing-no-base-repulse-shines-wi_2769467.jpg)
![“[What is honor]—I suspect that if, after reading this book, you were to go and ask the question of your friends and acquaintances, you might experience some difficultly finding someone who could give you, off the cuff, an accurate and adequate definition of honor. Those who do respond will…” quote by Jack Whyte](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f2e/jack-whyte-39547_books_what-is-honor-i-suspect-that-if-after-re_2435400.jpg)
