“Verba generalia non sunt impiccicatoria”
The Medieval Latin maxim “verba generalia non sunt impiccicatoria” is often rendered as “General words do not bind” — or, more literally, “General words are not to be interpreted restrictively.”
Rooted in Roman and medieval legal tradition, the expression warns that when a law, contract, or agreement employs broad or unspecific terms, such words should not automatically be read as a source of strict or punitive obligations.
The Latin employed in this formula belongs to the medieval period, when it became intermingled with other languages, particularly the emerging dialects of the Italian peninsula which, around the fifteenth century, would later merge into modern Italian.
“Verba generalia” — general and indeterminate terms, open to multiple interpretations.
“Non sunt impiccicatoria” — from “impiccare” in medieval Latin–Italianate legal usage, meaning “to entangle” or “to bind tightly.” Here it implies that generic expressions are not to be construed as if they imposed a rigid and limiting duty.
This legal maxim still underpins principles that remain in force across many legal systems worldwide.
Its meaning is to prevent the misuse of vague clauses to impose unforeseen or burdensome obligations. It urges interpreters to favour clarity and specificity: if one wishes to bind a party, the language must be explicit.
In economic and business contexts, the maxim translates into a threefold reminder:
- Clarity is power — if you want something done, state it precisely; if you commit to something, define the scope without ambiguity.
- Vagueness is a risk — it may be turned against you or trigger disputes later.
- Precision builds trust — people respect leaders who make their commitments concrete rather than hiding behind generalities.