In the Cena Trimalchionis section of Petronius’ Satyricon, Trimalchio frequently engages in conversational "second moves." This occurs when a guest or servant speaks first, and Trimalchio responds with a statement carrying conversational implicature (saying one thing but intentionally meaning another to flex his wealth or obscure his ignorance). [1, 2]

Here are 5 prominent Latin-English quotes fitting this exact conversational dynamic:

1. The Ignorance Defense

• Context: Agamemnon begins a rhetorical debate topic: "A poor man and a rich man were enemies..."Trimalchio interrupts as the second move.
• Latin: "Quid est pauper?" (Satyricon 48) [1]
• English: "What is a poor man?" [1]
• Implicature: On the surface, it looks like a simple definition check. The implied meaning is an ostentatious brag: Trimalchio is so unspeakably wealthy that the very concept of poverty is completely foreign to his world. [1]

2. The Corinthian Bronze Flex

• Context: Trimalchio notices Agamemnon staring at a bronze dish (the first move). Trimalchio responds to his gaze.
• Latin: "Ego solus habeo veram Corinthiam." (Satyricon 50)
• English: "I am the only person in the world with genuine Corinthian."
• Implicature: He follows this up by revealing he buys them from a craftsman named Corinthus. The implicature of his initial statement is that he possesses priceless, antique Greek artifacts, when he actually just bought cheap merchandise with a clever brand name. [1]

3. Subverting Astrology

• Context: A elaborate dish representing the signs of the Zodiac is served, and guests stare in confusion (the first move). Trimalchio steps in.
• Latin: "Oportet... caelum sic verti quomodo mola." (Satyricon 39)
• English: "The heavens must turn just like a millstone."
• Implicature: Instead of providing deep, educated astronomical insights, his homey analogy implies that cosmic fate operates exactly like a commercial production machine—reducing high philosophy down to his basic merchant mindset. [1, 2]

4. Overturning Nature

• Context: A massive boiled pig is brought to the table, and guests notice it hasn't been gutted, sparking worry that the cook failed (the first move). Trimalchio calls the cook forward.
• Latin: "Exquere." (Satyricon 49)
• English: "Carve it open."
• Implicature: The command carries the implicit threat of punishment for a bad cook. However, it is an elaborate trap; when cut, a flood of perfectly cooked sausages pours out. The underlying message is that Trimalchio can manipulate reality and surprise his guests at will. [1, 2]

5. Demanding the Impossible

• Context: An accountant reads off a massive list of properties and revenues Trimalchio owns, including an estate he didn't even know he had bought (the first move). Trimalchio reacts.
• Latin: "Nisi intra sextum mensem sciero in rationes meas referri vetuo." (Satyricon 53)
• English: "If I'm not informed of a land purchase within six months, I forbid it to go on the books."
• Implicature: This fake managerial outrage implies that his financial empire is so vast that massive real estate acquisitions regularly happen completely beneath his notice. [1]