Seeking Tongue-in-cheek Latin Grammar Advice

June 7, 2014 11:15 AM

Hi, As a member of the advisory board of the Butts Institute I've been asked to seek feedback regarding our motto, "recte, rectus, rectum". While I believe the phrase is close to perfect, would any Latin-knowers care to comment on the grammar and rectility of the slogan? Are there any adjustments we can make in order to improve it? Thank you
posted by c[,,] to Writing & Language (2 answers total)

Best answer: I think it would be great to make it make sense:
"Recte rectum rege" — "Rule [your] rectum rightly"
Other similiar options would be
Recte rectum rego I rule [my] rectum rightly
Recte rectum regamus We rule [the] rectum rightly

I guess it depends on what exactly are the aims of the Butts Institute.
posted by xueexueg at 12:03 PM on June 7, 2014 [20 favorites]

I love xueexueg's post -- just completely wonderful -- but one tiny correction. The last one should read "Recte rectum regimus" ("We rule [the] rectum rightly"), not "Recte rectum regamus" ("Let us rule [the] rectum rightly").
posted by dd42 at 6:47 AM on June 8, 2014 [1 favorite]