Chapter 1
The linguistic time machines
Chapter 2
Accidental comedy and translation fails
Chapter 3
Battles, boundaries, and bragging rights
Chapter 4
The rule breakers and the outliers
YOUR GOAL
Master of The wild and quirky world of US state mottos
Ch 1 · The linguistic time machines
schopenhauer Linguistic Time Machines
We print ancient words on a modern state seal, To keep bygone voices and history real.
schopenhauer California is the only US state with a Greek motto, celebrating a legendary discovery.
schopenhauer Washington state chose a motto from Chinook Jargon, a unique trade language of the Pacific Northwest.
BETA
schopenhauer Sort wacky mottos into their correct states to discover the weirdest US trivia.
Fun Fact
Italian state motto: Maryland is the only US state with an official motto written in Italian, dating back to 1632.
Glossary
latin (noun)
The ancient language of Rome and the historical empire it ruled. Over twenty American states use this classical tongue for their official mottos, beginning with Virginia in 1776.
The ancient language of Rome and the historical empire it ruled. Over twenty American states use this classical tongue for their official mottos, beginning with Virginia in 1776.
Quiz
Which state chose the French phrase 'L'Étoile du Nord' as its official motto in 1858?
Quiz
King Kamehameha III spoke Hawaii's state motto in 1843 after which country returned sovereignty?
Quiz
Which historical figure is associated with Virginia's Latin motto 'Sic semper tyrannis'?