The Shocking Truth Behind 5 Iconic Handmaid’s Tale Sayings You Never Knew

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Explore the diverse jargon that dominates the realm of Gilead, as depicted in ‘The Handmaid’s Tale‘, and here are five common expressions often used within its narrative. The totalitarian regime that seized control over the United States employs theocratic fascism to maintain order, resulting in unique phrases that are repeatedly uttered by Gilead’s inhabitants. Although these terms are prevalent throughout ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’, some have received little explanation, while others may only have been briefly addressed in a single episode of the series. Here is an analysis of five frequently heard expressions and their meanings:

1. “Nolite te bastardes carborundorum”: This Latin phrase translates to “Don’t let the bastards grind you down.” It serves as a mantra for Offred, the novel’s protagonist, reminding her to remain resilient in the face of oppression and adversity.

2. “Mayday”: A distress signal used by those seeking help from the resistance movement known as Mayday, which fights against Gilead’s tyranny. The term is often whispered in secret among the oppressed citizens, serving as a symbol of hope and defiance.

3. “Offred”: A combination of ‘Of Fred’, signifying that Offred belongs to Commander Waterford. This naming system is used for all Handmaids, who are essentially property of the ruling elite.

4. “Unwomen”: A derogatory term used to refer to women who have lost their fertility and are no longer considered useful in Gilead’s patriarchal society. They are often relegated to menial labor or sent to the colonies for forced labor.

5. “Prayvaganza”: A religious event where the ruling class gathers for worship and propaganda, designed to reinforce their power and control over the populace. These events serve as a reminder of Gilead’s strict theocratic nature and are used to maintain fear and obedience among its subjects.

As the premiere of The Handmaid’s Tale season 1 approaches, it’s clear that the totalitarian state of Gilead has already been established and is operating at its full potential. Throughout the series, Gilead has grown increasingly powerful, as demonstrated by The Handmaid’s Tale season 6, which underscores the fact that this oppressive regime now holds significant sway over Canada and what remains of the United States. Consequently, the symbols and jargon of Gilead are becoming more widespread, affecting citizens across the globe, necessitating a greater understanding of these five key phrases from The Handmaid’s Tale.

5. “Under His Eye”

Gilead’s Farewell Phrase

As a devoted fan, I’d say among the many expressions in “The Handmaid’s Tale,” “Under His eye” is perhaps the one heard most frequently. In the dystopian world of Gilead, this phrase functions as a sort of goodbye between Handmaids and other classes when they part ways. Within the confines of Gilead’s religious society, it serves as a constant reminder that an all-seeing God is always watching over everyone, offering comfort to some faithful individuals.

In addition to representing a benign presence, “Under His eye” carries a more ominous significance in Gilead. This phrase functions as a constant reminder that someone is constantly observing, encouraging its speakers to avoid activities potentially labeled as seditious or rebellious. While some might not believe God is watching, the authorities, particularly figures like the Eyes, are always vigilant and quick to suppress any signs of dissent.

4. “Blessed Be The Fruit”

The First Half Of Gilead’s Common Greeting

Instead of “Under His eye” serving as a parting phrase, “Blessed be the womb that bore you, Blessed be the children you may bear, Blessed be the man who brought you here” functions as a welcoming phrase in Gilead. This phrase is used to promote fertility among Handmaids, and it’s common for them to address one another with this blessing. The “fruit” referred to in this context could be children or the virtues of the spirit mentioned in the Bible, such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control, and so forth.

There seems to be a hidden message in this salutation. It could imply that the duties of the Handmaids are considered divine, as if they were ordained by God to submit to their Commanders. The notion that their roles are “sanctified” is disturbing, demonstrating how Gilead manipulates religion to oppress its citizens.

3. “May The Lord Open”

The Follow-Up To “Blessed Be The Fruit”

In the fictional society of Gilead, when one person addresses another with “Blessed be the fruit“, the appropriate response is for the second person to reply with “May the Lord open“. This concludes their greeting exchange, as it extends the theme of fertility from the initial statement about children being blessed by God, wishing that more offspring will be brought into existence through divine intervention.

In Gilead, where infertility was the catalyst for their authoritarian rule, this salutation serves as a persistent reminder of why such a regime is necessary. Employing this greeting implies that the reason behind Gilead’s existence is woven into every discussion within the society, thereby reinforcing and perpetuating its authority among its citizens.

2. “Praise Be”

An Expression Of Thankfulness

In the narrative of “The Handmaid’s Tale,” the simple phrase “Praise be” holds significant meaning. Within the society of Gilead, this term serves as an expression of gratitude, frequently uttered by various characters throughout the series. It’s a shortened form of “‘Praise be to God,’” indicating that the speaker is expressing thanks to a divine entity. Given the majority of Gileadeans’ belief in a higher power, this phrase strengthens their faith and implies that God allegedly approves of Gilead and supports its cause.

1. “Nolite Te Bastardes Carborundorum”

A Phrase Of Rebellion

The phrase “Nolite te bastardes carborundorum” from “The Handmaid’s Tale” is one of the scarcest expressions in the story, yet it carries significant weight. In both the novel and the series, this phrase is described as a made-up Latin term that serves as a humorous and defiant code within Gilead. The essence of the phrase is “Don’t let the bastards wear you down“, albeit it combines real Latin, invented Latin, and English. This seemingly trivial joke helps inspire June throughout “The Handmaid’s Tale”, indicating that it holds some value at the very least.

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2025-04-29 04:29