You can hear different conversations every day. Often, you can recognize some phrases that have also been used by people for decades. “Earn your salt” is just one of those popular phrases and idiomatic expressions that you might have heard to people talking with each other especially a conversation between those who are making their living from the water. Have you ever asked yourself about the definition and the etymology of the phrase?Try searching on “earn your salt”. If you do this, you will find many fascinating and educational information about it. 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.
It is important to note that salt is one of the most essential spices during the ancient times, and even in these present times, and it was regarded as something valuable for the human health. In that era, the word soldier literally meant ‘the one who is 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” is also recognized as “worth your salt.” When you take its original definition, it means that someone who is worth his pay. This is actually an American English idiom. It had caught the attention of various individuals, most particularly those who study semantics.
Other references also revealed that this idiomatic expression has the meaning of someone who has proven their skills that they have earned admiration from other people. This English idiom is common used in order to speak of those who are making a live from the water. They are those lifeguards, surfers, swimmers, divers, and others.It is true that “earn your salt” is a fantastic expression, and this is the reason behind those who have been searching for its roots. 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 