Laconize
/ˈlækənaɪz/noun
To adopt the brief, blunt, or austere style associated with the ancient Spartans of Laconia.
Did you know?The word comes from Laconia, the Spartan homeland, because ancient Greeks admired Spartans for their famously terse replies—this is where “laconic” gets its cold, disciplined edge.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
Λακωνίζειν (Lakonízein)
“to imitate the ways or speech of the Laconians (Spartans)”
Late Greek / Classical
Greek
Λάκων (Lákōn)
“a Spartan; a person from Laconia”
Latin
Latin
Laconicus / Laconizare
“Spartan; to speak or act like a Spartan”
16th Century
English
laconize
“to use Spartan brevity in speech or style”
Modern English
English
laconize
“to speak or write in a concise, terse manner”