Etc. is an abbreviation that we use often in writing and in common speech. The expression became very popular in the 1950s. But is it real Latin or not? Was it used the same way 2,000 years ago?

Origin of the Word

The word Etcetera (abbreviated Etc.) does indeed come from the Latin “et cetĕra” (Ceterus, remaining, the other things). It literally means “and the rest” but it’s often translated as “and similar things” or “and so forth”.

How it was used

The Romans did however not use it much in this form. The ancient Latin speakers preferred the colloquial expression “et alii” which was far more common (alli meaning “and so on”, or “and also”). Interestingly enough, “Et alli” still lives on today especially when quoting references (et al) .

Et Cetera starts showing up in the middle ages were the expression became more popular, in old English the first written record appears around the years 1100-50. It is however only in the last century or so that this term has come to new life and is also used colloquially.

The Middle ages

Interesting fact: There are speculations that the Romans took the expression from the Greek “καὶ τὰ ἕτερα” meaning: ”and the other things”.

References: Webster Meridian, Wikipedia, Oxford Dictionary, Treccani, dictionary.com,  Aristophanous kōmōidiai: Comoediae in Latinum sermonem conversae