mottó

Mottó is a short phrase or sentence that expresses a guiding principle or central idea for a person, group, institution, or work. In Hungarian usage, mottók can appear on coats of arms, emblems, school seals, or be adopted as personal mottó inscribed on jewelry or diplomas. They are typically concise and memorable, sometimes in Latin or another language.

The word mottó was borrowed into Hungarian from European languages, most commonly traced to Italian motto or German Motto, both referring to a brief inscription or guiding phrase.

Use and examples: A motto is intended as a steady guiding principle rather than a promotional line. Classical examples include carpe diem (seize the day) and semper fidelis (always faithful). Organizations or towns may adopt an official mottó that appears on symbols or documents.

Relation to other terms: A motto differs from a slogan or a tagline in that it expresses enduring values rather than a marketing message. An aphorism is a short, often witty statement; mottó is closer to a guiding principle and is usually specific to a group or person.