Laconian
/ləˈkoʊ.ni.ən/noun
Of or relating to Laconia, the ancient region of Greece that included Sparta, or to the famously terse speech associated with its people.
Did you know?“Laconic” comes from Laconia, because the Spartans were so famously terse that their region’s name became a synonym for sharp, weaponized brevity.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
Λακωνικός (Lakōnikós)
“Pertaining to Laconia or the Spartans; also terse or Spartan-like in speech or manner.”
Classical Greek
Greek
Λακωνία (Lakōnía)
“The region of Laconia in the southeastern Peloponnese, home of Sparta.”
Latin
Latin
Laconicus
“Spartan, Laconian; later, brief or terse in speech.”
Middle English
English
laconian
“Relating to Laconia or the Spartans; in later use, terse or concise.”
Modern English
English
Laconian
“Of or relating to Laconia, Sparta, or a concise, Spartan style of expression.”
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