In both Margaret Atwood's novel and the series, the phrase functions as a "totemic power" for Offred, reminding her that she is part of a lineage of resistance rather than just an isolated victim.

While "nolite" (don't) and "te" (you) are real Latin, " bastardes " is a fabrication, and " carborundum " is actually a trade name for an industrial abrasive used for grinding.

The phrase is a "schoolboy joke" in mock Latin, created by adding Latin suffixes to English words.

" Nolite Te Bastardes Carborundorum ," the fourth episode of The Handmaid’s Tale , serves as a pivotal turning point where the protagonist, Offred (June), shifts from a state of passive despair to one of active, albeit quiet, rebellion. The title refers to a Latin-sounding phrase Offred finds carved into her closet floor, a secret message from her predecessor that translates to "Don't let the bastards grind you down".

Nolite Te Bastardes Carborundorum | The Handmaid's Tale Wiki | Fandom