You can hear different conversations every day. Often, you can recognize some phrases that have also been used by people for decades. One of the most famous phrases that you might heard in “earn your salt,” most particularly between individuals who make a living from the water. Is there a question that pops in your mind when you heard this phrase? Have you ever thought about the real meaning or where does this phase come from?When you actually search on “earn your salt”, you can find various informative and wonderful information that you can get. One record revealed that the expression “earn your salt” can be traced during the time of the Ancient Romans. The etymology of the phrase could likewise take back prior to the time of 900 BC. In those times, the Roman armies are paid for the labor in salarium which was an allowance in order to buy salt.
Salt was regarded as one of the most significant spices long ago and it is still true today. It was also regarded as a compound that is significant to the human health. During that time, the term soldier meant ‘the person who is paid in salt’. The term soldier in that period is different. It meant ‘a person who is being paid in salt.’
Over the years, the term ‘salarium’ was then shortened and it came into the today’s English language as salary. So if you say that he earn his salt, what you mean to say is that he ought to receive that salary that he earns, but it can also mean that he is worthy of the value and admiration he earns.The meaning of the expression “earn your salt” is actually very simple. “Earn your salt”, or “worth your salt”, when you take it to its etymological meaning means that someone who worth his pay. This expression is an American English Idiom that had also fascinated many people, especially those who study words and their meanings.
Some references also suggested that this phrase means a person who is able to prove his or her abilities to earn respect for others. As mentioned above, this expression is actually used most particularly to speak of divers, lifeguards, surfers and others who are making their living from the water.Indeed, “earn your salt” is a very interesting phrase that is why many people have been researching about its origin. The origin of this expression will always lead you to the Roman Practice. However, bear in mind that the use of salt as something like a barter material has been practiced all over the world.
Original Water Men 