Latin Terms and When To Commit

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 Key Terms and Etymology

• De Minimis: This Latin phrase, from "de minimis non curat lex" meaning "the law does not concern itself with trifles," refers to a threshold value in tariff law. Goods imported into the US below a certain dollar amount (e.g., $800) are considered trivial and not subject to tariffs, while those above are.
• Ad Valorem: Also Latin, meaning "according to the value," this term describes a tariff or tax that is a percentage of the value of goods, similar to a sales tax. An item can be subject to both de minimis rules and ad valorem tariffs.

Language Usage: "App" vs. "Application"

• In the UK and Europe, "application" is the formal term, but younger generations increasingly use "app" as slang. Even older generations understand "app," though it is seen as trendier or more informal compared to the US, where "app" is widely accepted.

Discussion on Commitment and Decision-Making

• The hosts discuss factors influencing when to join or commit to a new activity, club, or responsibility:
  • Personal Availability: Assessing current workload and responsibilities before taking on more.
  • Value: Considering whether the new commitment is valuable or meaningful.
  • Social Pressure: Recognizing the influence of societal expectations or peer pressure.
  • Personality: Some people are naturally more inclined to join or commit, especially those who derive value from helping others. Motivation can also be situational, such as volunteering versus career advancement.

Personal Reflections on Commitment

• One host tends to jump into new commitments enthusiastically but may lose interest mid-way, requiring a reassessment of the commitment's importance.
• The other host is more deliberative, taking time to analyze before committing, but once decided, is highly committed.
• The conversation touches on how decision-making varies by context (e.g., marriage vs. planning a trip) and how considerations like impact on others and personal guilt can affect willingness to commit.

Generational Language and Trends

• The hosts reflect on generational slang (e.g., "sigma," "riz") and how language evolves, noting the differences in how parents and children relate to new terms.

Conclusion

The episode blends explanations of tariff-related legal terms with a broader discussion on language evolution and personal approaches to commitment, highlighting how both external rules and internal motivations shape decisions and communication styles.

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Any views expressed on this podcast are those solely of the hosts and is for entertainment purposes only. None of the content is medical advice or financial advice.

Special thanks to Tim Wright aka CoLD SToRAGE for his permission to use the song Operatique.