Negative votes are votes that are cast against a proposal or motion. The three most common terms used to refer to negative votes are NOS, NOES, and NAYS. NOS is an abbreviation of the Latin phrase 'nolumus, ' which means 'we do not wish.' NOES is an abbreviation of the Latin phrase 'non optamus, ' which means 'we do not choose.' Lastly, NAYS is an abbreviation of the phrase 'nay sayers, ' which refers to those who oppose a proposal or motion.