Very popular in Ghana, “pee” means (locally, at any rate) “very good”. I doubt they have many tourists trying the local drink.
Tag Archives: Lost in Translation
Lost in Translation: Camel Balls Gum
Today’s product is sold in the UK, among other places (e.g. Amazon). In and of itself, it may not be lost in translation so much as a marketing gimmick, but I came across an article of the UK’s Mirror titled, “Bubblegum called Camel Balls sold to girl, 7, gives mum the hump”. Their choice of that last word in this particular context is unfortunate, given its connotations in some English dialects…
Filed under Humor, Images, Mistranslations
Lost in Translation: Pepsi
In 1963, Pepsi launched the “Come Alive! You’re in the Pepsi Generation!” campaign. All well and good until they took it to China, where the slogan translated as “Pepsi – Bring Your Ancestors Back from the Dead”.
Needless to say, it was a short-lived campaign, despite its claim to resurrect Grandpa.
Filed under Humor, Images, Mistranslations, Signs
Lost in Translation: Bird Crap
I don’t know if this would really qualify as being “lost in translation” as it is the original English name of the product, and it is intentional; it may just fall under the category of marketing flops or faux pas. But either way, the last thing I want going through my mind as I take a bite of a nicely grilled burger is this brand name…
Here’s a close-up of the label:
Ya never know – it might sell quite well, just as a marketing gag (no pun intended – well, maybe it was)…
Filed under Humor, Images, Mistranslations
Lost in Translation: Fart
Keeping on with the disgusting theme of my last post, I thought I’d share a whiff of Polish with you: In Poland, where this candy bar is marketed, the name translates to something like Lucky Streak and the word orzechowy means nutty. It does not help to think of it as a nutty lucky streak with the name association in English, especially with an elephant as the logo…
Filed under Humor, Mistranslations, Signs, Translations
Lost in Translation: Barf
In Iran, where this laundry detergent is produced, the name means “snow”. For obvious reasons I don’t think they should try to break into the English market…
For other ads lost in translation, click here.
Filed under Humor, Images, Mistranslations, Signs
Stephanie Huesler 