As by the way of innuendo Lucus is made a non lucendo

As by the way of innuendo Lucus is made a non lucendo

The phrase "As by the way of innuendo Lucus is made a non lucendo" is a clever play on words that was famously used by the English poet Charles Churchill in his satirical poem "The Rosciad." In this context, Churchill is using the Latin phrase "non lucendo" to suggest that Lucus, a mediocre actor, is made even worse by the use of innuendo in his performances.

Churchill was known for his sharp wit and biting satire, and "The Rosciad" is no exception. In the poem, Churchill takes aim at the actors of his day, critiquing their performances and highlighting their flaws. Lucus, in particular, is singled out for his lackluster acting abilities and the use of innuendo to compensate for his shortcomings.

The phrase "non lucendo" is a term used in Latin grammar to describe a word that is made negative by the addition of the prefix "non." In this case, Churchill is using it metaphorically to suggest that Lucus is made worse by the addition of innuendo to his performances. By relying on suggestive language and insinuation, Lucus is unable to truly shine as an actor and instead comes across as cheap and unconvincing.

Churchill's use of this phrase is a clever way of highlighting the flaws in Lucus's acting style and calling attention to the superficiality of innuendo in performance. By playing on the Latin roots of the words, Churchill adds an extra layer of meaning to his critique, demonstrating his skill as a poet and satirist.

Overall, "As by the way of innuendo Lucus is made a non lucendo" is a powerful and memorable line from Churchill's "The Rosciad" that encapsulates his sharp wit and keen insight into the world of theater. It serves as a reminder of the dangers of relying on cheap tricks and insinuation in art, and the importance of authenticity and skill in performance.