A Conversation for Handy Latin Phrases

The Addams Family Motto

Post 1

Iphigenia

I've just watched the Addams Family Movie again. In it there is a motto, apparently written in Latin, on one of the tombs in the Addams' yard:

"Sic gorgiamus allos subjectatos nunc."

Morticia translates this as:

"We gladly feast on those who would subdue us."

Not understanding Latin the first time I saw this film, I didn't recognize this for what it is -- meaningless gobbledygook. It ain't Latin at all. You would think the film budget would stretch to getting a proper translation done. Heck! Now that I know Latin I'll even do it for free:

"Eos libenter epulamur qui nos subigere velint."


The Addams Family Motto

Post 2

Mordred

Right. You'll find that all the 'Latin' in Harry Potter is fake too. That is, apart from the motto on the Hogwart's coat of arms "DRACO DORMIENS NUNQUAM TITILLANDUS" ("One must never tickle a sleeping dragon." Presumably no-one has ever been tempted to tickle a dragon that was awake, so the issue just hasn't arisen.)

I think it would be more exciting, though, if the motto was:

"LANDICA HERMIONES COTTIDIE TITILLANDA" smiley - tongueout

Bye!


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The Addams Family Motto

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