BS: bad translations

Subject: RE: BS: bad translations
From: michaelr
Date: 31 Mar 04 - 06:47 PM

This may be apocryphal, but purportedly comes from instructions in English at a Japanese car rental company:

When pedestrian of foot heave into view, first tootle him melodiously.
If he still obstacles your passage, then tootle him with vigor.

Cheers,
Michael

Subject: RE: BS: bad translations
From: TheBigPinkLad
Date: 31 Mar 04 - 06:28 PM

Those rench, hey?

Subject: RE: BS: bad translations
From: Shanghaiceltic
Date: 31 Mar 04 - 05:34 PM

I have seen bean shoots as bean shits. Tasty

At an aerospace expo I saw the translation of the term 'fire and forget' (it was for an air to air missile system) as'fire and I cannot remember'

At a technical presentation given by a French company the title was meant to have been 'The shift if sensing technology' but unfortunately the F had been missed out.

Subject: RE: BS: bad translations
From: Peace
Date: 31 Mar 04 - 04:20 PM

Cluin: You have it. My memory is fading with age. Well I knew it was the Orient AND a soft drink, didn' I?

Subject: RE: BS: bad translations
From: TheBigPinkLad
Date: 31 Mar 04 - 04:10 PM

Ford Motor Company had trouble selling it's Nova model in Mexico.

Subject: RE: BS: bad translations
From: Cluin
Date: 31 Mar 04 - 04:06 PM

The one I heard was that the "Come Alive With Pepsi" slogan was interpreted in Chinese as "Pepsi Brings Your Dead Ancestors Back From the Grave". And similarly, the words "Coca Cola" were translated in China to mean "Bite the Wax Tadpole".

Subject: RE: BS: bad translations
From: Crane Driver
Date: 31 Mar 04 - 10:13 AM

The bad spelling in restaurant menus is intended to distract your attention from the bad maths in your bill.

Andrew

Subject: RE: BS: bad translations
From: Amos
Date: 31 Mar 04 - 10:03 AM

The government of Uzbekistan explains today: "In the process of being detained, 20 terrorists blew themselves up."


Oh, those terrorists!! Always up in the air about something.


A

Subject: RE: BS: bad translations
From: Jeanie
Date: 31 Mar 04 - 07:56 AM

Maybe some of you might like to pay a virtual (or real) visit to the
Camping de Cognac campsite in France. Amongst the many attractions on offer:
"For most courageous, the track of balls will be grounds of exploit between friends."
Alternatively, you could go in for a little "Church Romance" or visit one of the laundrettes which are listed under "cultural and historic treasures" as being worth a trip. Become intoxicated by this campsite which, they tell us, is "full of Cognac air."

Oh, and they thoughtfully provide "sets of various children" - so you can leave your own ones at home.

Bonnes vacances, mes amis !

- jeanie

Subject: RE: BS: bad translations
From: GUEST,A wandering Minstrel
Date: 31 Mar 04 - 07:34 AM

These three from genuine greek restaurants I ate in last summer

Fishing with Muscles (bouillabaisse)
rice bondaged with garbage leaves (dolmades)
roast beer (Beef! I hope)

Subject: RE: BS: bad translations
From: GUEST,freda
Date: 31 Mar 04 - 02:24 AM

An African chieftain flew to the United States to visit the president. When he arrived at the airport, a host of newsmen and television cameramen met him. One of the reporters asked the chief if he had a comfortable flight. The chief made a series of weird noises...."screech, scratch, honk, buzz, whistle, z-z-z-z-"...and then added in perfect English, "Yes, I had a very nice flight."

Another reporter asked, "Chief, do you plan to visit the Washington Monument while you're in the area? The chief made the same noises..."screech, scratch, honk, buzz, whistle, z-z-z-z"...and then said, "Yes, and I also plan to visit the White House and the Capitol Building."

"Where did you learn to speak such flawless English?" asked the next reporter.

The chief replied, "Screech, scratch, honk, buzz, whistle, z-z-z-z...from the short-wave radio."

Subject: RE: BS: bad translations
From: Johnny in OKC
Date: 31 Mar 04 - 12:51 AM

From a cartoon I saw many years ago ...

Translator sitting between two dignitaries:

"He wants to plant a perpetual friendly flower
in the fragrant nose of your distinguished fellowship,
or something."

Love, Johnny

Subject: RE: BS: bad translations
From: Johnny in OKC
Date: 31 Mar 04 - 12:49 AM

Phrase book for visitors to America:

"The English How she is Spoke"

Love, Johnny

Subject: RE: BS: bad translations
From: rangeroger
Date: 30 Mar 04 - 11:02 PM

dianavan, could that be "Fried Rice and No 'Oldes Barred"?

rr

Subject: RE: BS: bad translations
From: Peace
Date: 30 Mar 04 - 08:31 PM

Was supposed to have been an ad for Coke that was being sold in Japan. It was when Coke was using the slogan, "Coca Cola, the life of the party." Some how it ended up translated, "Coca Cola, if it's not at your party, you are dead." I heard that, and I'm not sure I have all the facts correct. However, . . . .

Subject: BS: bad translations
From: dianavan
Date: 30 Mar 04 - 08:19 PM

My daughter and I were grabbing a bite to eat while waiting for a train in Genoa. It was late but we found a little restaurant
within walking distance that had an Italian/English menu. I told my daughter I would like to try the 3rd item on the menu and
waited for her response. The English translation said, "Handkerchief with slick!" It was actually lasagna with basil sauce.

My favorite is a restaurant which advertises. "Fired rice and Nooldes"

I suppose this isn't a bad translation but poor spelling.

What are some of the "funnies" you have seen?

d