Interesting pin

[Caradoc]

"non illigitimi corborundem est"

I hate to be nit-picky, but shouldn't that be "Ne Molesti Te Deprimant?" (Literally, "Don't let troublesome people press you down".)

[Nick]

I think it's the effect of "bastard" which is what makes it especially poiniant to English speakers. It's a bit stronger than "troublesome people."

My Latin dictionary doesn't have an entry for a form of illigitimi, but it does for nothus (3): bastard; counterfeit. I also can't find anything for corborundum, but it does have an entry for "grind down", opprimo (3), and "grind", contero (3). But, my dictionary isn't a large one. I need to invest in a comprehensive Latin dictionary and Medieval Latin dictionary.

One thing, of course, is that Latin mottos often don't make any sense when translated literally into English. There's often a bit of freedom exercized.

Cheers,
Nick

[James]

It does not always work!

Long ago in the army a new recruit turned up wearing that in the form of a ring, which had been given to him by his father.

What happened-as soon as the platoon sergeant saw it, it had to be removed and sent home-for such things were not allowed.

Round one to the 'bastards'.

James

[Caradoc]

I also can't find anything for corborundum, but it does have an entry for "grind down", opprimo (3), and "grind", contero (3). But, my dictionary isn't a large one. I need to invest in a comprehensive Latin dictionary and Medieval Latin dictionary.

That won't help, as carborundum isn't a Latin word. (Nor corborundum, but that's a misspelling.) "Carborundum" is actually a trademarked name for an abrasive, from what I've read.

[Schultz]

Even though it's Wikipedia, this entry does a good job explaining the phrase.

[kiltimabar]

"MocK" Latin it may be, but I like it anyway; it expresses the thought better than the correct Latin translation.

[ozmeath]

It works well even if it's not entirely gramatically spot on. Psuedo -Latin is fine by me if it can circumscribo what one needs to circumeo.
Man I got no idea if that made any sence, I'm winging it...

[revdpatience]

Nick:

Spelling helps in Latin just as much as in English ... says I, the tortured third-generation English major :rolleyes:

"Illegitimi" = as in legitimate or legal
"carborundum" = as others have noted, a trade name

See this page for more of the story behind the motto.

Another favorite Latin inscription of mine is "De gustibus non est disputandum" -- there's no accounting for taste.

Cheers!

Rodger

My Latin dictionary doesn't have an entry for a form of illigitimi, but it does for nothus (3): bastard; counterfeit. I also can't find anything for corborundum, but it does have an entry for "grind down", opprimo (3), and "grind", contero (3). But, my dictionary isn't a large one. I need to invest in a comprehensive Latin dictionary and Medieval Latin dictionary.

One thing, of course, is that Latin mottos often don't make any sense when translated literally into English. There's often a bit of freedom exercized.