A motto for modern Britain in five words or fewer? How about "In America we trust" or "At least we're not French", or "Land of yobs(1) and morons(2)".

As Prime Minister Gordon Brown seeks to capture the public's imagination with a search for a national motto, cynicism(3) and subversion(4) are emerging as the most prominent national characteristics.

Readers of The Times have posted hundreds of suggestions on an Internet blog asking for a motto to sum up(5) modern Britain.

For some, it is an opportunity to express pride and confidence:

"Great people, great country, Great Britain" is one suggestion, while others say "Courage, reason, humanity, democracy, monarchy" or "A country so brave and true" could serve as fitting mottos.

Some are wary of(6) any sign of nationalism, warning: "Pride comes before a fall".

But most contributors seems to favour engaging in a popular national sport of self deprecation(7).

Yob-culture, binge drinking, gambling, and street violence feature prominently in many postings on the Times Online site (www.timesonline.co.uk/commentcentral) -- as does Britain's penchant for apologising.

"Drinking continues until morale improves" says one. "Our glass is half empty(8)", says another.

The sentiments expressed in the suggestion of "Fat, rude arrogant, racist, selfish" are put into a more modern socio-political(9) setting with: "Dipso fatso bingo asbo(10) Tesco(11)".

One contributor says Britain's motto should be: "Sorry, it's all our fault", another suggests "We apologise for the inconvenience".

One reader suggests Britain should be summed up with the words: "No balls, nerve or glory".

1. yob：游手好闲的小流氓或无赖，多用于英国。据说Yob一词是把Boy倒着写得来的，意思是扭曲的男孩，行为粗野，没有教养，有时甚至是暴力的。现在所说的Yob已经不仅仅指男孩，也包括女孩。他们往往成群出现，游荡街头，抽烟喝酒，吸食毒品、毁坏公物、以威胁和攻击他人取乐。简单说就是一帮滋事扰民危害社会的小流氓。

2. moron：白痴

3. cynicism：愤世嫉俗的、尖酸挖苦的

4. subversion：颠覆

5. sum up：总结、概括