Oh, the times, oh, the customs! This Latin phrase comes from an oration of Cicero, in which he bitterly denounced the corruption of the Rome of his day. It was subsequently used by the erudite to criticize their own era. Quote Cicero if you wish, but be prepared to be greeted by blank or at least quizzical stares . . . more than half your listeners will think you're complaining about a Japanese restaurant's tempura.