When the idea of the modern and current Empyraeum was set out, it came with a nagging problem; Latin never came to dominate because Rome never rose in the vacuum left by Alexander's death and Ptolemy's failed legacy in Egypt.
Citizens of the Empyraeum, even in its current state would not speak a language we'd recognise. Latin languages wouldn't exist. Turns of speech and even complex words would be quite different.
We touch on this is first acknowledging the rise of koiné in the invasion of Persia and hints toward what we called the argot or emerging conlang of the Empyraen army; the result of one hundred different cultures and armies melding into a whole. Some would learn the koiné, others would speak a pidgin of their native tongue and koiné, others would make up an odd mixture of both. By osmosis, an argot started to spread, even Neshaa and Kalliades started to converse in it.
Following formal foundation of the Empyraeum in Alexandria, the argot was formalised as ESG or Empyraen Standard Greek.
Early stages of its use can be found in the stories of the Collections and inside the Novellas. Place names and little terms and insults were replaced, just to give an idea of how different the world of the Empyraeum is.
After much thought and linguistic play, we decided more was needed and below, we introduce you to a particular flavour of ESG, that spoken in Lúndún, the capital of Brytton, where much if the action of Book One "A Flame Undying" will take place.
What we consider Great Britain was never invaded by Rome, the Vikings, the Saxons. The Welsh and Gaelic tongues common in 4th Century BC remained the mother tongue of the common people who learned ESG later On, at school or for work. Also London of our world is known for its unique slangs and argots, as is Britain as a whole so our Bryttons will, of course, add and adapt words to their preference. Elements of Irish, Scots, and Welsh mix with the ancient Greek and, often, the two blend together;
Common Empyraen insults and slang of Lúndún Town
Kop = idiot/stupid
Ease/Easy-G = ESG
Myrt = slapper of either gender, a person of adaptable morality
Moik = untrustworthy
Kora = *uck
Kopra = s*it
Koraka = *ucker
Kúna = bitch/dog
Glàm = falsely flashy
Laik = wimp, little bitch
Proko = arse kisser
Chalk = wiseguy, smartass, sort of a compliment of the backhanded type
Myx = stubborn person
Gràs = stinky
Pòra = p*ssy, invaliant person
Tod = overweight fellow, slang for aristocracy/the rich
Pánastás = rebels, commonly known as Pans
Hèg = boss or leader
Kos = military unit or group
The Choir = slang for the Keepers, Union Police
Savs = Alexander Loyalists
Savmor = The Kalshodar, considered a myth
Gowl = clumsy person
Gomb = trick, trap, ambush
Felci = a fart, often used for an unfocused person
Cach = crap, worthless
Twm = jumped up officer, often pronounced 'Tim'
Man = undecided, indefinite reply..."Man a well" means, 'why not?' or 'might as well'
Pilli = Day dreamer, head in the clouds
Clats = fight, violent disagreement
Soomp! = Brilliant! Excellent! Cool! Sometimes simply "Soom"
Lemb = Embarrassingly Stupid
Moog = bad/dangerous
Cleka = informant, grass, traitor
Gaida = arse, annoying person. "On the Gaid" - messing around, fooling with someone.
Skatagam = A Charlie-Fox, or complete and messy failure militarily
Melit = one who favours DIY intimacy; an objectionable individual
Och = multiuse term that can mean almost anything depending on context. "Gaid och" means '**ck it'. "Och soom" means indescribably amazing. "Och man" means 'give me a minute to think about this'. "Och Aye" can mean anything depending on the speaker's tone of voice.
Tevo = a sneak or thief
Gamina = multiuse word of emphasis meaning anything between 'darn, 'curses','**ck', '**cking' etc.
Kàton = negative situation. "Dwin a lig gamina katon..." means 'I'm in serious effing trouble here...'
Lig = a bit, a small amount. Often used ironically.
Mor/Maw = big or large. Serious.
Dwin = I am . "Dwin Pan, drae sior" is a common rebel greeting.
More may be coming as time allows but, for now, enjoy playing with speaking like a Lúndolix using the clues I have scattered around.
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