Ah, graduation. Time for all the academic regalia: pomp, circumstance, mortarboards, diplomas and yet another "Wear Sunscreen" speech.

You know, it's a funny thing about "pomp and circumstance." We all understand the "pomp" part; "pomp" means "a lavish ceremonial display." But "circumstance"? Is the graduation platform about to collapse? Is rain threatening? Does the valedictorian still owe back tuition?

Probably not. An old meaning of "circumstance" is "a formal display or ceremony." It derives from the Latin verb "circumstare," meaning "to stand around." This origin will be easily understood by anyone who's watched soon-to-be graduates milling around waiting for the ceremony to begin. (Perhaps we should call their impatient tread "the diploma mill.")

The "salutatorian" delivers the "salutation" (a greeting, something that produces a beneficial effect), from the Latin "salus," meaning "health" (hence, "Wear sunscreen"). The "valedictorian," from the Latin "vale" (farewell) and "dicere" (speak), aptly enough, delivers the "We're outta here!" address.

At the gas pump of circumstance, the high-octane degrees are dispensed "summa cum laude" (with greatest honor), "magna cum laude" (with great honor), and "cum laude" (with honor). The low-octane degrees are conferred "rite" (pronounced "REE-tay"), an adverb meaning, "duly conferred, all the requirements were fulfilled."

Contrary to popular mythology, the term "mortarboard" for the square cap worn at graduation has nothing to do with the fact that some graduates will end up working with mortar as masons (a union job that pays pretty well, by the way). But the origin of "mortarboard" is indeed written in cement. Apparently, this headgear reminded someone of the square boards used by masons to hold mortar.

Today, these hats suggest that most graduates are actually quite level-headed, at least during the ceremony. And they sure come in handy as bulletin boards to send parents messages, such as "Thanks, Mom and Dad" and "I'll meet you at the bursar's office after the ceremony."

Though the words on a diploma are often written in Latin, the word "diploma" is actually of Greek origin. It comes from the ancient Greek root "diploun" ("to double") because official documents like certificates and treaties were usually doubled (folded), whereas now it's the tuition that's doubled every 10 years.

And, speaking of diplomas, be sure to keep your sunscreen off your sheepskin.

Rob Kyff, a teacher and writer in West Hartford, Connecticut, invites your language sightings. His book, "Mark My Words," is available for $9.99 on Amazon.com. Send your reports of misuse and abuse, as well as examples of good writing, via email to WordGuy@aol.com or by regular mail to Rob Kyff, Creators Syndicate, 737 3rd Street, Hermosa Beach, California, 90254.

Photo credit: McElspeth at Pixabay