You can hear different conversations every day. Often, you can recognize some phrases that have also been used by people for decades. One of those widely-known phrases is the “earn your salt.” It is an idiomatic expression that you have heard when those lifeguards, divers, swimmers or surfers are having a conversation. Have you ever asked yourself about the definition and the etymology of the phrase?When you actually search on “earn your salt”, you can find various informative and wonderful information that you can get. One reference actually suggested that the phrase “earn your salt” began with those ancient Romans and its origin could date back to the early time of 900 BC. In those times, the Roman armies are paid for the labor in salarium which was an allowance in order to buy salt.
It is of note that salt was one of the most valuable spices long ago, and even today and it was also considered good for the health of human. During that time, the term soldier meant ‘the person who is paid in salt’. The term soldier in that period is different. It meant ‘a person who is being paid in salt.’
After so many years, the word ‘salarium’ was actually shortened and now, it became salary in the English Language. So if you say that he earn his salt, what you mean to say is that he ought to receive that salary that he earns, but it can also mean that he is worthy of the value and admiration he earns.“Earn your salt” has actually a very simple definition. “Earn your salt”, or “worth your salt”, when you take it to its etymological meaning means that someone who worth his pay. This expression is an American English Idiom that had also fascinated many people, especially those who study words and their meanings.
Some references also suggested that this phrase means a person who is able to prove his or her abilities to earn respect for others. This English idiom is common used in order to speak of those who are making a live from the water. They are those lifeguards, surfers, swimmers, divers, and others.It is true that “earn your salt” is a fantastic expression, and this is the reason behind those who have been searching for its roots. If you search more about this American English idiom, you will find that most explanations of this roots lead to the Roman practice, however, it is important to note that the use of this spices as a barter material has been practiced in different empires all over the world.
