Wikipedia:Reference desk/Archives/Language/2006 August 22

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Capitalization of titles in French

I have little French and so I'm confused by an issue raised by a MS I'm editing. The author has set it in France and so lots of the characters are French and there is some French dialogue. My question is this:

would one give an initial capital (as the author has) to 'Madame' and 'Monsieur', even when the character's name is not being included when they are addressed (in English, we have 'sir' but 'Sir Henry')? Are the rules different for 'mademoiselle' (which he leaves uncapitalized) or is he merely being inconsistent?

I would be most grateful for any light that anyone can shed!

When addressing someone, as in a letter (Veuillez agréer, Monsieur, mes salutations distinguées.), or in speech (Pardon, Madame, est-ce que je pourrais vous poser une question?), it is a common – but not universal – practice to capitalize the word, as a sign of respect. When used in reference to a third person (Demandez à ce monsieur de vous montrer sa carte.) this is less common (but still not uncommon). My feeling is that whatever rule is used for monsieur/madame, should be used consistently, also for mademoiselle. --Lambiam ^Talk

Category:Accuracy disputes

I know this is not the usual use of the reference desk, but I was looking over T-Z in this category and thought that people here could help clear up the accuracy of these specific articles.--Birgitte§β ʈ Talk 18:36, 22 August 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Source of and best translation of the Latin phrase "in cauda venerum"

Are you able to assist me in determining the source of the Latin phrase "in cauda venerum"? If it is attributable to some Latin author, e.g., Catullus, can you also supply me with its "best translation" in the context of the source's text and also the meanings and uses it has when quoted out of its original context. Thank you for your efforts. Duane Larrieu

The correct phrase is "in cauda venenum". Literal translation: "the poison (is) in the tail", meaning "the worst ist yet to come / to save the worst for last" I don't know whether it's by Phaedrus, but it might have been in a fable referring to a scorpion. See more here.---Sluzzelin 19:49, 22 August 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Just for fun, in cauda Venerum means "in/on the tail of the Venuses". —Keenan Pepper 21:46, 22 August 2006 (UTC)[reply]

The Italian Wikipedia states that it comes from Phaedrus, but refers to the Fox and the Crow (with a cheese). I have not been able to find this or a similar expression in that fable, or in any version of the Boy and the Scorpion, or any other Phaedrus fable. --Lambiam ^Talk 22:49, 22 August 2006 (UTC)[reply]