Motto

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A motto is a phrase meant to formally describe the general motivation or intention of a social group or organization. A motto may be in any language. Latin and to a lesser degree French are disproportionately frequent, because each was the principal international language for a considerable period. The local language is usual in the mottos of governments.

Heraldry

In heraldry, a motto is often depicted in an achievement of arms, typically on a scroll below the shield, or else above the crest as in Scots heraldry.

In English and Scottish heraldry mottoes are not granted with armorial bearings, and may be adopted and changed at will. Although very unusual and perhaps outside regular heraldic practice, there are some examples of the particular appearance of the motto scroll and letters thereon being blazoned.

A canting motto is one that contains word play. For example, the motto of the Earl of Onslow is Festina lente, punningly interpreting on-slow (literally "make haste slowly").

The motto of the County of Somerset is in Anglo-Saxon; that of South Cambridgeshire in the English Fens is in Dutch.

Ships and submarines in the Royal Navy each have a crest and motto, as do units of the Royal Air Force.

Other uses

Fraternities and sororities typically have their (usually secret) mottos in the Greek language.

See also

• Epigram
• Inscription
• List of Latin phrases
• Slogan
• Tagline
• Tripartite motto

Notes

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Last updated on Monday March 10, 2008 at 21:19:48 PDT (GMT -0700)
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