Is Canberra really the cool capital? It's doubtful it's "Australia's meeting place". As for "active city", sure, some people exercise now and then, but obesity rates are on the up.

The question is whether number-plate slogans need to be accurate, or whether they should be hyperbole, like most advertising and promotional tools.

Love them or hate them, these slogans certainly create conversation.

On Thursday, the ACT government released a list of top 10 slogans, one of which is set to adorn Canberra residents' blue and white number plates in coming months and years.

There were almost 2000 submissions to the new number-plate slogan consultation. Some social media suggestions included CBR - Gateway to Fyshwick, and Canberra - Get off our lawn.

The history of such discussions is fascinating, as Stephen Jeffery writes on page 6.

Let's just hope the government doesn't end up with what we'd suggest is a Boaty McBoatface decision, in "Australia's Cool Capital". While it might be true of winter in Canberra, is that the ideal Aussie holiday? The answer for most is no. And if the capital of Australia needs to declare it's cool on a number plate, of all things, is that really the conclusion other motorists would come to? Perhaps it should be changed to Australia's trendy capital, which would only succeed in making it slightly more cringeworthy.

While you're stuck in traffic jams getting to Batemans Bay or in the Canberra Centre car park at lunchtime, consider the "Brilliant Possibilities" (another charming option) offered by having "CBR - Driving the nation" or "CBR - Green and clean" splayed across your bumper for all to see on your next trip interstate, and the repercussions that might have for our reputation.

On the other hand, if "the Bush Capital" was chosen, we wouldn't fight it.

Voting is open now. Choose wisely. Canberrans will be stuck with it.