Literal Translation
To lose one’s Latin because of it
Actual Meaning
To be completely flummoxed
Etymology
This expression has its roots in the use of Latin, a scholarly language that was not accessible to most people over the centuries, especially before the widespread teaching of vernacular languages (like French). In the Middle Ages and up until the early 20th century, Latin was the language of scholars, clerics, and intellectuals. To “lose one’s Latin” thus meant no longer understanding a situation, much like how a scholar or intellectual might feel lost if they no longer understood Latin… and losing their intellectual superiority?
Over time, the expression has taken on a broader meaning. It is now used in various contexts to indicate that a person is completely disoriented or bewildered in a situation. This can apply in emotional, intellectual, or even unexpected circumstances.