Romanian language lesson: Religious words in Romanian curses

Three religious words appear in some Romanian curses: “Paștele” (the Easter), “Dumnezeu” (God) and “Cristos” (Christ). [audio:http://www.romania-insider.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/religious_words_romanian_curses.mp3|titles=religious_words_romanian_curses] The curses that imply these religious words are: “Paștele mă-tii!” “Dumnezeul mă-tii!” “Cristosul / Cristoșii mă-tii!” The word “mă-tii” is the genitive form of “mama ta” (your mother). In the spoken language is used the popular form “maică-ta” (instead of “mama ta”). The form “mă-tii” is considered impolite and is generally used in the curses. If we want to use “mă-tii” in the 3rd person singular (his / her mother), the form is “mă-sii” (derived from “mama sa > maică-sa > mă-sii). Having the same evolution as “mă-tii”, the form “mă-sii” is impolite and generally occurs in the curses. It is interesting that Romanian developed a curse that implies the word “Easter” (Paște): “Paștele mă-tii” The words “Dumnezeu” (God) and “Cristos” are also used in the curses. The spelling dictionary of Romanian language considers that both forms (“Cristos” and “Hristos”) are correct. “Cristoșii / Hristoșii” is the plural form of “Cristos / Hristos”. Being masculine words, the definite article is “i” (“Cristoșii / Hristoșii”) There are no Romanian courses that imply Virgin Mary. Mona Pologea, PhD.Linguist ROLANG School Managing Director