talkativesprout
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- 30 Mar 2009
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Engineers references (pun)
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Pride in Battle (Superbia in Proelia)
- Thread starter balotelli's back pocket
- Start date
Gary James
Well-Known Member
Interesting - I've not heard this. Where have you seen it? They had a motto which started "Even in our wonton fires..." Got the full words somewhere. Lasted in to the 50s, but not heard that teeth mention before.A club motto does not need to be part of the badge, so it can remain if so wished.
City did have a motto when they played at Hyde Road, it read 'Set your teeth and die hard' and apparently was on a sign in the wooden Grand Stand which was destroyed by fire in November 1920.
Maybe they could bring that one back in latin?!!!....
EDIT: I've just searched my stuff and find no mention other than Phil Shaw wrote that in a piece on Maine Road in 2003 (about Hyde Road) for the Independent, but there's no reference for it, so unclear where he got it from. If anyone has any other evidence I'd be interested. It feels unlikely but happy to be wrong - that saying has been used in military units though, so maybe a connection with Ardwick Barracks? Hmm, clutching at straws a bit, but would love to hear more evidence. Thanks
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I'll never forget my old RE teacher (Chesterfield fan so no need to make it up or have a dig) at school told me that it doesn't mean what we think it does. It means to have an arrogance or too high opinion of yourself before a fall in battle. He was adamant that's what Superbia In Proelio (and it is "o", not "a" at the end of Proelio) means.
I hope this never surfaces as part of our club ever again after we get rid of the current badge.
I'm no teacher, but the whole group of words like Super, Superior etc can all mean better than something else, elitist etc. its down to opinion and context whether its deemed as arrogance or motivation.
Take 'Superman' ... is that arrogance?
A club motto does not need to be part of the badge, so it can remain if so wished.
City did have a motto when they played at Hyde Road, it read 'Set your teeth and die hard' and apparently was on a sign in the wooden Grand Stand which was destroyed by fire in November 1920.
Maybe they could bring that one back in latin?!!!....
Set Your Teeth and Die Hard is the new Bruce Willis instalment.