The Real Definition of Earn Your Salt

Lifeguard Swimsuits

Every day, you might hear conversations that contain phrases that have actually been used for long years. “Earn your salt” is just one of those popular phrases and idiomatic expressions that you might have heard to people talking with each other especially a conversation between those who are making their living from the water. Have you ever wondered the meaning and the origin of this phrase?

When you actually search on “earn your salt”, you can find various informative and wonderful information that you can get. One account suggested that the phrase “earn your salt” has a root on the times of the ancient Romans and the derivation of the phase could date back before the time of 900 BC. During those times, the Roman soldiers were being paid for their work in salarium, an allowance needed to buy salt.

Compression Shorts

It is important to note that salt is one of the most essential spices during the ancient times, and even in these present times, and it was regarded as something valuable for the human health. In that era, the word soldier literally meant ‘the one who is paid in salt.’ After so many years, the word ‘salarium’ was actually shortened and now, it became salary in the English Language. Then, when you say that someone earn his or her salt, you are actually saying that he/she is worthy of the wages that he/she earns, but this can also denote an individual who is worthy of admiration or respect.

“Earn your salt” has actually a very simple definition. “Earn your salt” is also recognized as “worth your salt.” When you take its original definition, it means that someone who is worth his pay. This expression is an American English Idiom that had also fascinated many people, especially those who study words and their meanings.

Jammers

Other references also revealed that this idiomatic expression has the meaning of someone who has proven their skills that they have earned admiration from other people. As mentioned above, this expression is actually used most particularly to speak of divers, lifeguards, surfers and others who are making their living from the water.

Indeed, “earn your salt” is a very interesting phrase that is why many people have been researching about its origin. The origin of this expression will always lead you to the Roman Practice. However, bear in mind that the use of salt as something like a barter material has been practiced all over the world.