Every day, you might hear conversations that contain phrases that have actually been used for long years. 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. Have you ever wondered the meaning and the origin of this phrase?When you actually search on “earn your salt”, you can find various informative and wonderful information that you can get. One reference actually suggested that the phrase “earn your salt” began with those ancient Romans and its origin could date back to the early time of 900 BC. During that period, the Roman warriors were paid for their job in salarium. It was an allowance required to buy salt.
It is of note that salt was one of the most valuable spices long ago, and even today and it was also considered good for the health of human. In that era, the word soldier literally meant ‘the one who is paid in salt.’
After so many years, the word ‘salarium’ was actually shortened and now, it became salary in the English Language. Then, when you say that someone earn his or her salt, you are actually saying that he/she is worthy of the wages that he/she earns, but this can also denote an individual who is worthy of admiration or respect.“Earn your salt” can always be defined in simple terms. It can be understood by people. “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.There is no doubt to say that “earn your salt” is highly interesting expression. For that reason, a lot of people have been looking for the origin of the phrase. The root of this expression can be traced from the Roman practice but it is of note that the use of salt as a barter material has been practices in several places.
Original Water Men 