what is motto
For other uses, see Motto (disambiguation) . A motto (derived from the Latin muttum, 'mutter', by way of Italian motto, 'word', 'sentence') is a maxim, a phrase meant to formally summarize the general motivation or intention of an individual, family, social group or organization.hips and submarines in the Royal Navy each have a badge and motto, as do units of the Royal Air Force. Latin has been very common for mottos, but for nation states their official language is generally chosen.