Latinitaster
English
Etymology
From Latin + the pejorative suffix -aster (from Latin -aster), meaning “inferior, petty, or imperfect imitation of.”
Pronunciation
- /ˌlætɪˈnɪtæstər/
Noun
latinitaster (plural latinitasters)
- A petty or inferior scholar of Latin; one who pretends to learning in Latin but lacks true mastery.
- The university corridors were once full of latinitasters correcting one another’s ablatives with unwarranted confidence.
Usage notes
The suffix -aster often forms pejorative nouns indicating someone who imperfectly or pretentiously imitates a profession or skill (compare poetaster, criticaster).