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English
Etymology
Borrowed from Latin et tū, Brūte (literally “and you, Brutus”). Used figuratively from 1591 (sometimes jocularly) to express shock and sadness at the treachery of a good friend. Although apparently an Elizabethan invention, a “genuine antique reproduction”,[1] it appears to have been well known in England before its use in Shakespeare's Julius Caesar.
Pronunciation
Phrase
et tu, Brute
- "You too, Brutus" or "even you, Brutus"; expressing a recognition of betrayal.
1591, William Shakespeare (disputed), “The True Tragedie of Richard Duke of York, and the Death of Good King Henrie the Sixt”, in Alexander Dyce, Robert Dodsley, Thomas Amyot, editors, A Supplement to Dodsley's Old Plays, volume IV, Shakespeare Society, published 1853, page 176:[Prince Edward:] Et tu Brute, wilt thou stab Cæsar too? A parlie sirra to George of Clarence.
1599 (first performance), William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of Iulius Cæsar”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies (First Folio), London: Isaac Iaggard, and Ed Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, , page 119, column 1:[Casca stabs Cæsar in the Neck. Cæsar catches hold of his Arm. He is then stabbed by several other Conspirators, and at last by Marcus Brutus.]
Cæsar: Et Tu Brute?—Then fall, Cæsar.
[Dies. The senators and people retire in confusion.]
1926, Edgar Rice Burroughs, The Mad King:Barney Custer turned his incredulous eyes upon the lieutenant. “Et tu, Brute?” he cried in anguished accents, letting his head fall back into the girl’s lap. He found it very comfortable there indeed.