Unfunny latin motto.

[Alan OBrien]

People who have a very very weak sense of humour will sometimes quote the
pseado-Latin motto which is suppose dto translate as 'don't let the bastards
grind you down'.
Just this moment I saw it as "nil illegitimum carborundum".
So I put that exact phrase into Google (94 hits).
Google suggested ""nil illegitimus carborundum" (150 hits).
"Non illegitimus carborundum" gives 353 hits.
Are there any other variations?

I suspect that the motto is being used today by people who have no idea what
carborundum is used for. Many may actually believe that it is genuine Latin.

Alan

[John Flynn]

Post by Alan OBrien
People who have a very very weak sense of humour will sometimes quote
the pseado-Latin motto which is suppose dto translate as 'don't let
the bastards grind you down'.
Just this moment I saw it as "nil illegitimum carborundum".
So I put that exact phrase into Google (94 hits).
Google suggested ""nil illegitimus carborundum" (150 hits).
"Non illegitimus carborundum" gives 353 hits.
Are there any other variations?
I suspect that the motto is being used today by people who have no
idea what carborundum is used for. Many may actually believe that it
is genuine Latin.

"non illegitimi carborundum" gives just over 3,000 results.

"illegitmi" being the plural of "illegitimus" which equates to not letting
the (plural) bastards grind you down, rather than merely stopping one of
them from doing all the work on his own.

Also: "pseado"?

[John Flynn]

Post by John Flynn
"illegitmi" being the plural of "illegitimus"

Yeah, yeah, typo, I know, before anyone leaps on me and points out such
atrocious Latin.

How is it that typos in English will go by with a tacit acceptance, but
a typo in a foreign (or pseado-foreign!) language will be pounced on by
ravenous masses?

[Tony Cooper]

Post by John Flynn

Post by John Flynn
"illegitmi" being the plural of "illegitimus"

Yeah, yeah, typo, I know, before anyone leaps on me and points out such
atrocious Latin.
How is it that typos in English will go by with a tacit acceptance, but
a typo in a foreign (or pseado-foreign!) language will be pounced on by
ravenous masses?

The ravenous want to dine on your errors.

[John Dean]

Post by Tony Cooper

Post by John Flynn

Post by John Flynn
"illegitmi" being the plural of "illegitimus"

Yeah, yeah, typo, I know, before anyone leaps on me and points out
such atrocious Latin.
How is it that typos in English will go by with a tacit acceptance,
but a typo in a foreign (or pseado-foreign!) language will be
pounced on by ravenous masses?

The ravenous want to dine on your errors.

And if the ravenous ever leave Usenet, the Kingdom will fall.

[Odysseus]

Post by John Flynn

Post by John Flynn
"illegitmi" being the plural of "illegitimus"

Yeah, yeah, typo, I know, before anyone leaps on me and points out such
atrocious Latin.

If they do it would be without just cause: surely the standards of
pseudo-Latin should be what concern us here.

At any rate "Non illegitmi carborundum" gets two Google hits (albeit
accompanied by the obvious suggested correction) so it must be legitmate.

[John Dean]

Post by Odysseus

Post by John Flynn

Post by John Flynn
"illegitmi" being the plural of "illegitimus"

Yeah, yeah, typo, I know, before anyone leaps on me and points out
such atrocious Latin.

If they do it would be without just cause: surely the standards of
pseudo-Latin should be what concern us here.
At any rate "Non illegitmi carborundum" gets two Google hits (albeit
accompanied by the obvious suggested correction) so it must be
legitmate.

Right. Time to move on. I nominate 'ars scribendum vincit omnia' or 'the
tattoed bum hits the jackpot'.

[Michael DeBusk]

On Mon, 19 Jul 2004 15:07:08 +0100, John Dean

Post by John Dean
I nominate 'ars scribendum vincit omnia' or 'the
tattoed bum hits the jackpot'.

I know several girls with tattoos on their bums. It's the rage. I don't
know why, though. Nobody can see it (unless he or she hits the jackpot
with the girl).

[John Dean]

Post by Michael DeBusk
On Mon, 19 Jul 2004 15:07:08 +0100, John Dean

Post by John Dean
I nominate 'ars scribendum vincit omnia' or 'the
tattoed bum hits the jackpot'.

I know several girls with tattoos on their bums. It's the rage. I
don't know why, though. Nobody can see it (unless he or she hits the
jackpot with the girl).

Then girls round your way are obviously not wearing the kind of
low-slung trousers that are currently fashionable here. I haven't seen
so much knicker elastic since I worked in a laundry. I am everywhere
assailed by hip-bones, bum cheeks and builders' cracks, not to mention
acres of unhealthy looking grey and white flesh.

[Tony Cooper]

On Tue, 20 Jul 2004 10:50:20 +0100, "John Dean"

Post by John Dean

Post by Michael DeBusk
On Mon, 19 Jul 2004 15:07:08 +0100, John Dean

Post by John Dean
I nominate 'ars scribendum vincit omnia' or 'the
tattoed bum hits the jackpot'.

I know several girls with tattoos on their bums. It's the rage. I
don't know why, though. Nobody can see it (unless he or she hits the
jackpot with the girl).

Then girls round your way are obviously not wearing the kind of
low-slung trousers that are currently fashionable here. I haven't seen
so much knicker elastic since I worked in a laundry. I am everywhere
assailed by hip-bones, bum cheeks and builders' cracks, not to mention
acres of unhealthy looking grey and white flesh.

I take it "plumber's butt" becomes "builder's cracks" when it crosses
the pond. I don't want to be accused of "The American way is the only
way" thinking, but I really think the American expression is superior.
The plumber is far more prone to display an expanse of crack than is
the builder.

Except for the time he is presenting his invoice for services, the
plumber spends his entire visit at your house in a squatting position
with his back to you. It's well-known that all plumbing problems
start at only a foot or two above floor-level. He's most frequently
seen crouched under the sink and most frequently heard saying "Here's
your problem. All your pipes were done right-to-left. I'll have to
tear them all out and replace them."

When writing a "We do it better in the US" post, it would be nice to
have an exclusively American patriotic song midi playing. Something
like "My Country 'Tis of Thee".

[John Dean]

Post by Tony Cooper
On Tue, 20 Jul 2004 10:50:20 +0100, "John Dean"

Post by John Dean

Post by Michael DeBusk
On Mon, 19 Jul 2004 15:07:08 +0100, John Dean

Post by John Dean
I nominate 'ars scribendum vincit omnia' or 'the
tattoed bum hits the jackpot'.

I know several girls with tattoos on their bums. It's the rage. I
don't know why, though. Nobody can see it (unless he or she hits the
jackpot with the girl).

Then girls round your way are obviously not wearing the kind of
low-slung trousers that are currently fashionable here.

I take it "plumber's butt" becomes "builder's cracks" when it crosses
the pond. I don't want to be accused of "The American way is the only
way" thinking, but I really think the American expression is superior.
The plumber is far more prone to display an expanse of crack than is
the builder.
When writing a "We do it better in the US" post, it would be nice to
have an exclusively American patriotic song midi playing. Something
like "My Country 'Tis of Thee".

And the "We do it better here and we did it first anyway" posts could
have 'To Anacreon in Heaven'

[Tony Cooper]

On Tue, 20 Jul 2004 15:20:28 +0100, "John Dean"

Post by John Dean

Post by Tony Cooper
On Tue, 20 Jul 2004 10:50:20 +0100, "John Dean"

Post by John Dean

Post by Michael DeBusk
On Mon, 19 Jul 2004 15:07:08 +0100, John Dean

Post by John Dean
I nominate 'ars scribendum vincit omnia' or 'the
tattoed bum hits the jackpot'.

I know several girls with tattoos on their bums. It's the rage. I
don't know why, though. Nobody can see it (unless he or she hits the
jackpot with the girl).

Then girls round your way are obviously not wearing the kind of
low-slung trousers that are currently fashionable here.

I take it "plumber's butt" becomes "builder's cracks" when it crosses
the pond. I don't want to be accused of "The American way is the only
way" thinking, but I really think the American expression is superior.
The plumber is far more prone to display an expanse of crack than is
the builder.
When writing a "We do it better in the US" post, it would be nice to
have an exclusively American patriotic song midi playing. Something
like "My Country 'Tis of Thee".

And the "We do it better here and we did it first anyway" posts could
have 'To Anacreon in Heaven'

Such a noise you make. Are you saying that our anthem can't stand up
to the racket's red glare?

[John Dean]

Post by Tony Cooper
On Tue, 20 Jul 2004 15:20:28 +0100, "John Dean"

Post by John Dean

Post by Tony Cooper
On Tue, 20 Jul 2004 10:50:20 +0100, "John Dean"

Post by John Dean

Post by Michael DeBusk
On Mon, 19 Jul 2004 15:07:08 +0100, John Dean

Post by John Dean
I nominate 'ars scribendum vincit omnia' or 'the
tattoed bum hits the jackpot'.

I know several girls with tattoos on their bums. It's the rage. I
don't know why, though. Nobody can see it (unless he or she hits
the jackpot with the girl).

Then girls round your way are obviously not wearing the kind of
low-slung trousers that are currently fashionable here.

I take it "plumber's butt" becomes "builder's cracks" when it
crosses the pond. I don't want to be accused of "The American way
is the only way" thinking, but I really think the American
expression is superior. The plumber is far more prone to display an
expanse of crack than is the builder.
When writing a "We do it better in the US" post, it would be nice to
have an exclusively American patriotic song midi playing. Something
like "My Country 'Tis of Thee".

And the "We do it better here and we did it first anyway" posts could
have 'To Anacreon in Heaven'

Such a noise you make. Are you saying that our anthem can't stand up
to the racket's red glare?

Always wondered how the guy who wrote the words to that escaped a
plagiarism suit from this guy:
http://us.imdb.com/name/nm0714871/

Unless he wrote it a while back ...

Still, watch out for legal papers from Dawn Surlylight.

[Robert Lieblich]

[ ... ]

Post by Tony Cooper

Post by John Dean

Post by Tony Cooper
When writing a "We do it better in the US" post, it would be nice to
have an exclusively American patriotic song midi playing. Something
like "My Country 'Tis of Thee".

And the "We do it better here and we did it first anyway" posts could
have 'To Anacreon in Heaven'

Such a noise you make. Are you saying that our anthem can't stand up
to the racket's red glare?

Didn't this thread already drift past the bums bursting in air?

For the newcomers: Francis Scott Key Bridge[1] = Car-Strangled
Spanner

[1] There are two bridges so named in The Greater Laurelplex: one
crossesthe Potomac from Rosslyn to Georgetown and the other crosses
Baltimore Harbor a few miles downstream from downtown Baltimore.

[david56]

In article <***@4ax.com>, tony_cooper213
@earthlink.net says...

Post by Tony Cooper
On Tue, 20 Jul 2004 10:50:20 +0100, "John Dean"

Post by John Dean

Post by Michael DeBusk
On Mon, 19 Jul 2004 15:07:08 +0100, John Dean

Post by John Dean
I nominate 'ars scribendum vincit omnia' or 'the
tattoed bum hits the jackpot'.

I know several girls with tattoos on their bums. It's the rage. I
don't know why, though. Nobody can see it (unless he or she hits the
jackpot with the girl).

Then girls round your way are obviously not wearing the kind of
low-slung trousers that are currently fashionable here. I haven't seen
so much knicker elastic since I worked in a laundry. I am everywhere
assailed by hip-bones, bum cheeks and builders' cracks, not to mention
acres of unhealthy looking grey and white flesh.

I take it "plumber's butt" becomes "builder's cracks" when it crosses
the pond. I don't want to be accused of "The American way is the only
way" thinking, but I really think the American expression is superior.
The plumber is far more prone to display an expanse of crack than is
the builder.

Not in the UK. Plumbers work indoors and are usually fully dressed.
Builders work outdoors where it is reasonable to wear loose clothing or
go topless when you are digging or carrying hods.

Post by Tony Cooper
When writing a "We do it better in the US" post, it would be nice to
have an exclusively American patriotic song midi playing. Something
like "My Country 'Tis of Thee".

Gets my vote, although we do find the tune a little dreary over here.
Perhaps the Liechtenstein national anthem would be a reasonable
compromise.

[Tony Cooper]

On Tue, 20 Jul 2004 16:14:22 +0100, david56

Post by david56
Not in the UK. Plumbers work indoors and are usually fully dressed.
Builders work outdoors where it is reasonable to wear loose clothing or
go topless when you are digging or carrying hods.

"Plumber's butt", in the US, refers to a fully dressed person that
exposes said "plumber's butt" when kneeling or squatting. See:
Loading Image... The shirt rides up and the
trousers ride down.

We wouldn't refer to a shirtless man with low-slung trousers as
exposing "plumber's butt". It's essential that the person have on
both shirt and trousers.

I don't know why, but I think it's because the sudden appearance of
the offending view when the person assumes a position is key to the
term.

There is a variation of the "plumber's butt" when a tradesman wears a
heavy tool belt that pulls down the trouser, and has such a prodigious
belly that the shirt doesn't reach all the way to the waist. Again,
though, there must be a gap for the term to qualify.

[Michael DeBusk]

On Tue, 20 Jul 2004 10:50:20 +0100, John Dean

Post by John Dean
Then girls round your way are obviously not wearing the kind of
low-slung trousers that are currently fashionable here. I haven't
seen so much knicker elastic since I worked in a laundry.

Sometimes I'll get a girl who asks, "Wanna see my new tattoo?" I'll
say, "Sure, why not?" and she'll pull her britches down. Surprise! A
half-moon in broad daylight.

Post by John Dean
I am everywhere assailed by hip-bones, bum cheeks and builders'
cracks,

You say that as if it were a bad thing. ;)

Post by John Dean
not to mention acres of unhealthy looking grey and white flesh.

Ah. Perhaps where you are, it is a bad thing. :(

[meirman]

In alt.english.usage on Tue, 20 Jul 2004 21:57:12 GMT Michael DeBusk

Post by Michael DeBusk
On Tue, 20 Jul 2004 10:50:20 +0100, John Dean

Post by John Dean
Then girls round your way are obviously not wearing the kind of
low-slung trousers that are currently fashionable here. I haven't
seen so much knicker elastic since I worked in a laundry.

Sometimes I'll get a girl who asks, "Wanna see my new tattoo?" I'll
say, "Sure, why not?" and she'll pull her britches down. Surprise! A
half-moon in broad daylight.

Isn't that the reason they get one there, so they'll have a method to
come on to a guy or to tease him?


s/ meirman If you are emailing me please
say if you are posting the same response.

Born west of Pittsburgh Pa. 10 years
Indianapolis, 7 years
Chicago, 6 years
Brooklyn NY 12 years
Baltimore 20 years

[Michael DeBusk]

Post by meirman

Post by Michael DeBusk
half-moon in broad daylight.

Isn't that the reason they get one there, so they'll have a method
to come on to a guy or to tease him?

Not being a woman, I can't be certain, but it seems logical.

What amuses the hell out of me is the fact that, in about sixty years,
we'll have a lot of old ladies with tattooed asses in nursing homes.

[John Dean]

Post by Michael DeBusk

Post by meirman

Post by Michael DeBusk
half-moon in broad daylight.

Isn't that the reason they get one there, so they'll have a method
to come on to a guy or to tease him?

Not being a woman, I can't be certain, but it seems logical.
What amuses the hell out of me is the fact that, in about sixty years,
we'll have a lot of old ladies with tattooed asses in nursing homes.

There are some there already. And there are already married couples
there waiting out their twilight years for whom 'Our Song' is 'Rock
Around the Clock' or 'Be Bop a Lula'.

[Michael DeBusk]

On Wed, 21 Jul 2004 23:59:42 +0100, John Dean

Post by John Dean

Post by Michael DeBusk
What amuses the hell out of me is the fact that, in about sixty
years, we'll have a lot of old ladies with tattooed asses in
nursing homes.

There are some there already.

I thought we'd have to wait another ten or so years.

Post by John Dean
And there are already married couples there waiting out their
twilight years for whom 'Our Song' is 'Rock Around the Clock' or 'Be
Bop a Lula'.

Heh... my parents were married in 1947. I know what you mean.

[Alan OBrien]

Post by John Flynn
Also: "pseado"?

When I see spelling errors I normally have a look at my own keyboard and I
allow a one-character distance (laterally, normally).
This one is well beyond my personal limit and I can only say that I have no
idea how it came about!

[John Dean]

Post by Alan OBrien
People who have a very very weak sense of humour will sometimes quote
the pseado-Latin motto which is suppose dto translate as 'don't let
the bastards grind you down'.
Just this moment I saw it as "nil illegitimum carborundum".
So I put that exact phrase into Google (94 hits).
Google suggested ""nil illegitimus carborundum" (150 hits).
"Non illegitimus carborundum" gives 353 hits.
Are there any other variations?

I first saw "nil illegitimati carborundum"

[Daniel James]

... the pseado-Latin motto which is suppose dto translate as
'don't let the bastards grind you down'.

It has to be "non" (not) rather that "nil" (nothing) - though I've
seen it with "nunquam" or "numquam" (never).

Bastards are plural, so "illegitimi" rather than "illegitimus" -
though I've seen "illegitimati" and "illegitimes"; which are
plural forms but not the right ones.

Carborundum is pretty much a given as it stands (silicon carbide,
a very hard substance used in the manufacture of cutting tools and
abrasives - hence: /grind/ you down).

So, on balance, "non illegitimi carborundum" is what you're
looking for, but "non illegitimi carbidum silicii" seems more
nicely classical.

Alternative formulae such as "nothibus non licet opprimere" just
don't cut it, somehow.

Cheers,
Daniel.

[CB]

Post by Daniel James

... the pseado-Latin motto which is suppose dto translate as
'don't let the bastards grind you down'.

It has to be "non" (not) rather that "nil" (nothing) - though I've
seen it with "nunquam" or "numquam" (never).
Bastards are plural, so "illegitimi" rather than "illegitimus" -
though I've seen "illegitimati" and "illegitimes"; which are
plural forms but not the right ones.
Carborundum is pretty much a given as it stands (silicon carbide,
a very hard substance used in the manufacture of cutting tools and
abrasives - hence: /grind/ you down).
So, on balance, "non illegitimi carborundum" is what you're
looking for, but "non illegitimi carbidum silicii" seems more
nicely classical.
Alternative formulae such as "nothibus non licet opprimere" just
don't cut it, somehow.
Cheers,
Daniel.

A nothis opprimi non oportet? CB

[Odysseus]

Post by Alan OBrien
People who have a very very weak sense of humour will sometimes quote the
pseado-Latin motto which is suppose dto translate as 'don't let the bastards
grind you down'.
Just this moment I saw it as "nil illegitimum carborundum".
So I put that exact phrase into Google (94 hits).
Google suggested ""nil illegitimus carborundum" (150 hits).
"Non illegitimus carborundum" gives 353 hits.
Are there any other variations?

I've encountered quite a few, but the first one I heard, "Illegitimi
non carborundum," is also the highest-scoring of those I tried, with
4680 hits. My mate reports that the only form she's noticed is "Non
illegitimus carborundum."

For a few obvious variations, "Illegitimus non carborundum" gets 4640
hits, "Nil illegitimi carborundum" 277, and "Non illegitimi
carborundum" 3300.

[Matti Lamprhey]

Post by Odysseus

Post by Alan OBrien
People who have a very very weak sense of humour will sometimes
quote the pseado-Latin motto which is suppose dto translate as
'don't let the bastards grind you down'.
Just this moment I saw it as "nil illegitimum carborundum".
So I put that exact phrase into Google (94 hits).
Google suggested ""nil illegitimus carborundum" (150 hits).
"Non illegitimus carborundum" gives 353 hits.
Are there any other variations?

I've encountered quite a few, but the first one I heard, "Illegitimi
non carborundum," is also the highest-scoring of those I tried, with
4680 hits. My mate reports that the only form she's noticed is "Non
illegitimus carborundum."
For a few obvious variations, "Illegitimus non carborundum" gets 4640
hits, "Nil illegitimi carborundum" 277, and "Non illegitimi
carborundum" 3300.

I first heard this from a fellow of King's College, Cambridge, in 1970.
His version was "Non illegitimis carborundum".

Matti

[Martyn]

Post by Alan OBrien
People who have a very very weak sense of humour will sometimes quote the
pseado-Latin motto which is suppose dto translate as 'don't let the bastards
grind you down'.
Just this moment I saw it as "nil illegitimum carborundum".
So I put that exact phrase into Google (94 hits).
Google suggested ""nil illegitimus carborundum" (150 hits).
"Non illegitimus carborundum" gives 353 hits.
Are there any other variations?
I suspect that the motto is being used today by people who have no idea what
carborundum is used for. Many may actually believe that it is genuine Latin.
Alan

I once saw a car sticker with 'Sona si Latine loqueris' on it which I
thought was quite good (once I'd got home and looked it up!!)
(it apparently says 'Hoot if you speak Latin', for those of you who don't).

Martyn

[Raymond S. Wise]

"Martyn" <***@Microsoft.com> wrote in message news:***@corp.supernews.com...


[...]

Post by Martyn
I once saw a car sticker with 'Sona si Latine loqueris' on it which I
thought was quite good (once I'd got home and looked it up!!)
(it apparently says 'Hoot if you speak Latin', for those of you who don't).
Martyn

I recently saw an automobile license-plate frame which had a fish symbol in
the upper right-hand corner--I figured it said "Christ" in Greek letters in
the middle, but I didn't look close enough to it to verify that--and "sin
Jesus" in the lower left-hand corner. I figured the owner had found it
amusing, and that's why he put it on his car. I also guessed that it was
Spanish.

I checked it with Google's translation program: It (or, to be precise, "sin
Jesús") means "without Jesus" in Spanish! I wonder if indeed it was in
Spanish or if it came from another language entirely.

[raymond o'hara]

Post by Martyn
[...]

Post by Martyn
I once saw a car sticker with 'Sona si Latine loqueris' on it which I
thought was quite good (once I'd got home and looked it up!!)
(it apparently says 'Hoot if you speak Latin', for those of you who

don't).

Post by Martyn
Martyn

I recently saw an automobile license-plate frame which had a fish symbol in
the upper right-hand corner--I figured it said "Christ" in Greek letters in
the middle, but I didn't look close enough to it to verify that--and "sin
Jesus" in the lower left-hand corner. I figured the owner had found it
amusing, and that's why he put it on his car. I also guessed that it was
Spanish.

Have you seen the fish with feet and Darwin written in it?

[Raymond S. Wise]

Post by raymond o'hara

Post by Martyn
[...]

Post by Martyn
I once saw a car sticker with 'Sona si Latine loqueris' on it which I
thought was quite good (once I'd got home and looked it up!!)
(it apparently says 'Hoot if you speak Latin', for those of you who

don't).

Post by Martyn
Martyn

I recently saw an automobile license-plate frame which had a fish symbol

in

Post by Martyn
the upper right-hand corner--I figured it said "Christ" in Greek letters

in

Post by Martyn
the middle, but I didn't look close enough to it to verify that--and "sin
Jesus" in the lower left-hand corner. I figured the owner had found it
amusing, and that's why he put it on his car. I also guessed that it was
Spanish.

Have you seen the fish with feet and Darwin written in it?

I have, and I wondered after I had done the translation whether the fish I
had seen had actually been that fish. I just didn't pay attention at the
time, assuming it to be the usual version.

[Odysseus]

Post by raymond o'hara
Have you seen the fish with feet and Darwin written in it?

There are now plenty of variations available.

See <http://www.darwinfish.com/>, for example.

[raymond o'hara]

Post by Odysseus

Post by raymond o'hara
Have you seen the fish with feet and Darwin written in it?

There are now plenty of variations available.
See <http://www.darwinfish.com/>, for example.
--
Odysseus

A great site, thanx.

[meirman]

In alt.english.usage on Tue, 20 Jul 2004 09:59:35 -0500 "Raymond S.

Post by Martyn
[...]

Post by Martyn
I once saw a car sticker with 'Sona si Latine loqueris' on it which I
thought was quite good (once I'd got home and looked it up!!)
(it apparently says 'Hoot if you speak Latin', for those of you who

don't).

Given that it was on a car, I'd translate it "Honk if you speak
Latin".

Ok, just to be sure I checked, and sono, sonare means to sound or make
a noise, so I think "honk" is good.

Post by Martyn

Post by Martyn
Martyn

I recently saw an automobile license-plate frame which had a fish symbol in
the upper right-hand corner--I figured it said "Christ" in Greek letters in
the middle, but I didn't look close enough to it to verify that--and "sin
Jesus" in the lower left-hand corner. I figured the owner had found it
amusing, and that's why he put it on his car. I also guessed that it was
Spanish.
I checked it with Google's translation program: It (or, to be precise, "sin
Jesús") means "without Jesus" in Spanish! I wonder if indeed it was in
Spanish or if it came from another language entirely.

In 1962 or '63, I saw a bumper sticker that said
"Put the X back in Xmas."

I assumed it was a sarcastic take-off on a saying or slogan I had
heard earlier, "Put the Christ back in Christmas". Now that I know
that Xmas was coined by Christians, I'm not so sure it was sarcastic.

s/ meirman If you are emailing me please
say if you are posting the same response.

Born west of Pittsburgh Pa. 10 years
Indianapolis, 7 years
Chicago, 6 years
Brooklyn NY 12 years
Baltimore 20 years

[Odysseus]

Post by meirman
In 1962 or '63, I saw a bumper sticker that said
"Put the X back in Xmas."
I assumed it was a sarcastic take-off on a saying or slogan I had
heard earlier, "Put the Christ back in Christmas". Now that I know
that Xmas was coined by Christians, I'm not so sure it was sarcastic.

One of the best parodies I've seen on a bumper-sticker is

I T F O U N D M E !
Campus Crusade for Cthulhu

[raymond o'hara]

Post by Odysseus

Post by meirman
In 1962 or '63, I saw a bumper sticker that said
"Put the X back in Xmas."
I assumed it was a sarcastic take-off on a saying or slogan I had
heard earlier, "Put the Christ back in Christmas". Now that I know
that Xmas was coined by Christians, I'm not so sure it was sarcastic.

One of the best parodies I've seen on a bumper-sticker is
I T F O U N D M E !
Campus Crusade for Cthulhu
--

X is the first letter in the Greek word for Christ, Xmas is accepted
shorthand.

Post by Odysseus
Odysseus

[meirman]

In alt.english.usage on Fri, 23 Jul 2004 07:59:17 GMT Odysseus

Post by Odysseus

Post by meirman
In 1962 or '63, I saw a bumper sticker that said
"Put the X back in Xmas."
I assumed it was a sarcastic take-off on a saying or slogan I had
heard earlier, "Put the Christ back in Christmas". Now that I know
that Xmas was coined by Christians, I'm not so sure it was sarcastic.

That is, I still think it was sarcastic, but the remote possibility
occurs to me that it wasn't. I think it would be too obscure to be
inspirational.

Post by Odysseus
One of the best parodies I've seen on a bumper-sticker is
I T F O U N D M E !
Campus Crusade for Cthulhu

LOL

s/ meirman If you are emailing me please
say if you are posting the same response.

Born west of Pittsburgh Pa. 10 years
Indianapolis, 7 years
Chicago, 6 years
Brooklyn NY 12 years
Baltimore 20 years

[Odysseus]

Post by Raymond S. Wise
I recently saw an automobile license-plate frame which had a fish symbol in
the upper right-hand corner--I figured it said "Christ" in Greek letters in
the middle, but I didn't look close enough to it to verify that--and "sin
Jesus" in the lower left-hand corner. I figured the owner had found it
amusing, and that's why he put it on his car. I also guessed that it was
Spanish.

What's usually written in the fish symbol, if anything, is in fact
_IChThYS_, "FISH", in which "Christ" is represented by the _Chi_:
it's an acrostic for _Iesous Christos Theou Huios Soter_, literally
"Jesus the Anointed (= Heb. _Messiah_), of God the Son, Saviour". I
think I've seen some cars displaying fish-symbols with "Jesus"
written in them, but I haven't noticed any reading "Christ".

[Raymond S. Wise]

Post by Odysseus

Post by Raymond S. Wise
I recently saw an automobile license-plate frame which had a fish symbol in
the upper right-hand corner--I figured it said "Christ" in Greek letters in
the middle, but I didn't look close enough to it to verify that--and "sin
Jesus" in the lower left-hand corner. I figured the owner had found it
amusing, and that's why he put it on his car. I also guessed that it was
Spanish.

What's usually written in the fish symbol, if anything, is in fact
it's an acrostic for _Iesous Christos Theou Huios Soter_, literally
"Jesus the Anointed (= Heb. _Messiah_), of God the Son, Saviour". I
think I've seen some cars displaying fish-symbols with "Jesus"
written in them, but I haven't noticed any reading "Christ".
--
Odysseus

Yes, I knew that--once upon a time.

[George Hardy]

Post by Alan OBrien
People who have a very very weak sense of humour will sometimes quote the
pseado-Latin motto which is suppose dto translate as 'don't let the bastards
grind you down'.

Toti emu lesto.

GFH