Salt.
Salary is from the Middle English word "salaire", from the Latin word "salarium": a payment made in salt (sal) or for salt, from "salarius" meaning pertaining to salt.
2006-11-26 00:32:31
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answer #1
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answered by Sweetchild Danielle 7
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The word salary comes from the Latin "salarium", literally "salt", but which acquired the additional meaning of "salary" or "pay". It was introduced into English through the Norman French derivative "salaire". The Romans had various sources of salt, including the Dead Sea. They used the sea as a bank. In the days of Roman rule in Palestine, soldiers received a part of their pay in the form of a “salarium”- their salary. This “salarium” was set aside so that the fighter could buy salt for himself. Salt was difficult to come by in those days.
Roman generals, advised by a famous physicians of those days- Galen , knew that salt was important for the health and vigor of their troops. A soldier that could not earn this extra “salarium” was thought of as “not worth his salt “. The Better men knew how to “earn their salt “. The Romans used to pay off troops serving in Palestine with a “salarium” in salt, rather than in money. The mineral salts of the Dead Sea were simply money in the bank.
2006-11-26 09:32:50
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answer #2
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answered by Doethineb 7
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The origin of the word salary is my employer. When my employer makes a statement with the word salary in it, it's as if it is the first time I've heard the word. Some say it's due to the almighty paycheck. The thing that most motivates people on my job is their salary. To me, my employer is the origin of the word salary.
2006-11-26 09:05:17
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answer #3
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answered by Piguy 4
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It comes from the Roman period, and derives from the word 'salt'. Back in those days, salt (Latin: salaris) was rare, but important. Roman soldiers were often paid part in money and part in salt, and were said to receive their 'salaris' every payday. Their paydays were very regular for the period, and the term came to refer to the whole pay.
2006-11-26 08:37:08
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answer #4
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answered by Diocletian 2
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It comes from Latin. Back during the Roman Empire, soldiers were paid in salt. Also starts other phrases like "that guy is worth his salt." Salary was their payment in salt, a rare commodity back then, and very necessary in cooking and other uses.
2006-11-26 08:34:27
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answer #5
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answered by F T 5
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"Salary" first appeared in the 14th century, derived from the Anglo-French "salarie," which can be traced back to the Latin "salarium," originally "soldier's allowance for the purchase of salt."
2006-11-26 08:34:51
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answer #6
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answered by foxwallow 3
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