Cosmopolis

Cosmopolis is the most widely spoken language throughout space in the Milky Way. It is millions of years in the making, an ever-shifting vernacular with near-infinite dialects. Cosmopolis is just one of countless names used to describe this language - it is an amalgamation of hundreds of languages spoken by the people of space throughout history.

It is expected of a frequent traveller of space to speak Cosmopolis. The only excuse is if you do not possess the vocal chords to produce certain sounds, but there are substitutes to use, widely understood and accepted. All advertisements, gadgets, manuals, and any other written-word tools and resources use Cosmopolis.

Cosmopolis can be a difficult language to fully understand, as commonly spoken idioms stem from hundreds of different planets and the language is ever-changing. Many idioms originate from popular media, including widely known TV shows, online celebrities, and phrases passed down generations.

History

Underworld Citizens by Mochi

The earliest "modern" form of Cosmopolis dates back around twenty-five thousand years ago. Core aspects of the language have remained mostly unchanged, but it has been influenced over the years.

It first evolved from the clusterfarers in the Selvos Cluster. These folk erected Planetary Communication Lines, that allowed the hundred and three planets in the solar system to send instantaneous signals to one another.

This language, a blend of other languages from twenty planets in the Selvos Cluster, became the only language spoken through the communication lines. Decoders at every end point of this labyrinth of electromagnetic waves were trained fluency in Cosmopolis.

Gradually, the language spread beyond the bounds of this giant solar system, many space councils and colonies adopting it as their national language. Within a few thousand years the language dominated the galaxy's spacial void, becoming the native language of those born in space, and a secondary language of 93% of frequent space-goers.

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It usually takes around five to twenty years for a spacefaring civilisation's home planet to adopt cosmopolis in their daily life. Signposts, particularly on highways, spaceports, airports, and other busy urban areas will have signs written in native languages and cosmopolis.

Common Idioms

Stack it, don't stick it

Improve what you already have, don't start from scratch.

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An idiom originating on Razhea Capita, it refers to how the planet's infrastructure is stacked on top of old, abandoned buildings, rather than completely rebuilding.

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Used by itself

There's paradise behind every black hole

Something good follows every bad situation.

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Unknown origin, it refers to how black holes are wormholes to other realms. Removing "black" from the phrase gives it a whole new meaning.

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Used by itself

Don't eat a stick of moomoos

Don't make up lies about your family and friends.

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Originates from Cilvarth. Nobody is quite sure where it came from. It is often said to close family and friends in social gatherings.

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Used by itself

Slap your back

To make a joke at someone's expense.

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It originates from Tihjay, where corvidians enjoy ridiculing others. It is one of the most common idioms used in the Milky Way.

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Used in a sentence

What a cloudhopper

An insult used to describe someone always in other's business.

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Unknown origin. A cloudhopper is a species invasive on thousands of planets in the Milky Way.

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Used by itself

Like cold tea

Something that is disappointing.

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Originating from the Middle Mountains on Cilvarth, drinking cold tea is disappointing, as tea is often drank to warm the body and soul.

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Used in a sentence

You lose part of yourself to become a cyborg.

It takes sacrifice to earn something great.

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Originates from Cvorvatis, where most people purchase cyborg attachments, sacrificing body parts for the process.
Used by itself

Rip someone's tail off

To joke with someone.

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Variations used on countless planets, but since most humanoid sophonts have tails, this became the default.

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Used in a sentence

Silver and scarlet

To call something silver and scarlet is to call it perfect.

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Originates from Rubrinea, where the most valuable coloured dyes are silver and scarlet.

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Used in a sentence

Spoken by

• Clusterfarers

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