Mottos: The History and Use of Guiding Phrases
A motto—derived from the Latin muttum ('mutter') and the Italian motto ('word' or 'sentence')—is a concise phrase or sentence that encapsulates a belief, purpose, or general motivation. Whether adopted by an individual, a family, a social group, or a large organization, a motto serves as a guiding principle. Unlike slogans, which are often oral and promotional, mottos are predominantly found in written form and frequently emerge from deep-rooted social traditions or pivotal historical events, such as revolutions or civil wars.
While mottos can be written in any language, Latin has historically been the dominant choice in the Western world due to its association with scholarship and tradition. However, many nation-states prefer their official national language to reflect their identity.
Key Facts
- Definition: A short phrase expressing the intention or guiding principle of an entity.
- Language: Latin is common in the West, but national languages are typically used for state mottos.
- Heraldry: Mottos are often placed on a banderole below a shield, though Scottish tradition places them above the crest.
- Canting: Some mottos use wordplay or puns related to the owner's name or location.
- Literature: Authors use mottos as prefixes to chapters or essays to suggest the theme of the work.
The Role of Language in Mottos
The choice of language often reflects the history or geography of the entity. While Latin remains a staple, various historical and regional languages are used to preserve heritage:
- Old English: The County of Somerset uses Sumorsǣte ealle ("All the men of Somerset").
- Dutch: South Cambridgeshire uses Niet Zonder Arbyt ("Nothing without work"), a phrase originally belonging to Cornelius Vermuyden, the 17th-century engineer who drained the Fens.
- ǀXam: South Africa utilizes ǃke e: ǀxarra ǁke ("Unity in diversity").
- Old Norse: The Shire of Shetland uses Með lögum skal land byggja ("By law shall the land be built up").
Wordplay and Backronyms
Some mottos employ canting, which is the use of wordplay or puns. For instance, the Earl of Onslow's motto Festina lente ("make haste slowly") puns on the name "Onslow." Similarly, the Burgh of Tayport's motto Te oportet alte ferri ("It is incumbent on you to carry yourself high") refers to the "Tayport at auld Tay Ferry" and the local lighthouse.
In modern contexts, some mottos are backronyms—phrases created to fit an existing acronym. A prime example is the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), whose motto "Fidelity, Bravery, Integrity" corresponds to the letters of its agency name.
Mottos in Heraldry
In the science of heraldry, a motto is typically positioned on a banderole (a small scroll) in the compartment below the shield. This practice dates back to the Middle Ages when most nobles possessed a coat of arms. However, regional variations exist:
- Scottish Heraldry: The motto is placed above the crest and is referred to as a slogan. This term comes from the Scottish Gaelic sluagh-ghairm ("army cry"), often originating from ancient battle cries.
- Spanish Heraldry: The motto may be displayed within the bordure (the border) of the shield.
- English Heraldry: Mottos are not formally granted with armorial bearings and can be changed at will. In contrast, Scottish mottos require re-matriculation with the Lord Lyon King of Arms to be altered.
Some heraldic descriptions, known as blazons, specify the exact appearance of the motto. For example, the Great Seal of the United States specifies that the motto scroll is held in the beak of the bald eagle.
Organizational and Military Use
Mottos extend beyond nobility to modern institutions. The Royal Navy (RN) and Royal Air Force (RAF) assign badges and mottos to their ships, submarines, and units. Corporate entities also adopt them, such as British Airways with its motto "To Fly, To Serve."
Mottos in Literature
In a literary context, a motto is a short phrase, poem, or word placed at the beginning of a novel, chapter, or essay. It serves as a suggestive expression of the guiding principle or theme of the text that follows. An example of this technique is found in Robert Louis Stevenson's Travels with a Donkey in the Cévennes, where mottos introduce each section.
Summary of Notable Mottos
| Entity | Motto | Language | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| European Union | United in diversity | English | Unity despite differences |
| United States | In God We Trust | English | Faith in divine guidance |
| Netherlands | Je Maintiendrai | French | I will maintain |
| United Kingdom (Monarch) | Dieu et mon droit | French | God and my right |
| Greece | Ελευθερία ή θάνατος | Greek | Freedom or Death |
| Spain | Plus ultra | Latin | Further beyond |
| University of Geneva | Post tenebras lux | Latin | Light After Darkness |
| Sealand | E Mare Libertas | Latin | From the Sea, Freedom |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a motto and a slogan?
Mottos are generally written expressions of a long-term belief or purpose, often tied to tradition. Slogans are more frequently used orally and are often associated with shorter-term goals or promotional campaigns.
What is a canting motto?
A canting motto is one that uses wordplay or puns, often relating the phrase to the name of the person, family, or place it represents.
Where is a motto typically placed on a coat of arms?
In most heraldic traditions, the motto is placed on a scroll below the shield. However, in Scottish heraldry, it is placed above the crest and is called a slogan.
Why is Latin so common in mottos?
Latin was the lingua franca of scholarship and law in the Western world for centuries, making it a prestigious and timeless choice for expressing guiding principles.
How are mottos used in books?
In literature, a motto acts as an epigraph—a short quote or phrase at the start of a work or chapter that hints at the subject matter or the moral theme of the writing.