Adopted by a now-standard European language from a closely-related and once-widespread "lingua franca" for trade, this simple word, with more than one meaning, is today used in many countries. Originally and etymologically intended to express servile humility (as was its counterpart in its parent language), the word is usually tossed off casually, but in certain regions, the old pronunciation harking back to servitude still obtains. What is it?

peasypod

Well, I'll offer the Italian familiar greeting of 'ciao' for this one. Derived from Latin 'servus' which combined with "Sono vostro schiavo" literally means 'slave'. http://www.answers.com/topic/ciao Oct 12 06, 7:00 PM

lanfranco

Well, it meant, "I am your servant/slave," which, in the right context, could actually be rather romantic. Though, as we know, "schiavo," from Latin "sclavus" also meant "Slav," and the eastern Europeans largely functioned as the slaves of the Roman Republic, the Empire, and the late Middle Ages in western Europe. But ottimo, peasy! Another silver mace! Oct 12 06, 7:20 PM

peasypod

Yes, and I unintentionally took it for granted that everyone would get the 'sono vostro' bit. Ooops. But, thankyou, once again I'm sure the mace will come in handy in the most romantic way, of course. Oct 12 06, 7:37 PM