Comments on: Watch Your Language! http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/07/14/watch-your-language/ FSB Features Wed, 16 Dec 2009 18:30:20 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 By: pir, nanaimo, BC, canada http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/07/14/watch-your-language/#comment-10717 pir, nanaimo, BC, canada Tue, 30 Sep 2008 20:23:31 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.wordpress.com/?p=252#comment-10717 bacardi "pavane" being a bad name in germany is silly. "pavane" is a dance. nobody will think of "pavian" instead. bacardi "pavane" being a bad name in germany is silly. "pavane" is a dance. nobody will think of "pavian" instead.

]]> By: Juan Winona MN http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/07/14/watch-your-language/#comment-10715 Juan Winona MN Tue, 30 Sep 2008 19:30:24 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.wordpress.com/?p=252#comment-10715 My father in law-from is from Germany but lives in Spain. He brought over a Mitsubishi SUV called the "Pajero." in Spanish that word denotes someone with an obsession for "self-gratification." It took me a year to find the courage to tell him, since he liked the car so much My father in law-from is from Germany but lives in Spain. He brought over a Mitsubishi SUV called the "Pajero." in Spanish that word denotes someone with an obsession for "self-gratification."
It took me a year to find the courage to tell him, since he liked the car so much

]]> By: Liz, Boston, MA http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/07/14/watch-your-language/#comment-10000 Liz, Boston, MA Sat, 09 Aug 2008 07:20:31 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.wordpress.com/?p=252#comment-10000 The "Got Milk?" Campaign didn't do well in Brazil. In Portuguese, it translated to "Are you lactating?" The "Got Milk?" Campaign didn't do well in Brazil. In Portuguese, it translated to "Are you lactating?"

]]> By: Liz, Boston, MA http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/07/14/watch-your-language/#comment-9999 Liz, Boston, MA Sat, 09 Aug 2008 07:05:49 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.wordpress.com/?p=252#comment-9999 A Japanese company makes "Calpiss" soda. They wanted to market it in the US. Fortunately, they found out before it went on US shelves that it sounds a lot like "Cow piss". The soda was renamed "Cal-piko." A Japanese company makes "Calpiss" soda. They wanted to market it in the US. Fortunately, they found out before it went on US shelves that it sounds a lot like "Cow piss". The soda was renamed "Cal-piko."

]]> By: Liz, Boston, MA http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/07/14/watch-your-language/#comment-9998 Liz, Boston, MA Sat, 09 Aug 2008 06:52:13 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.wordpress.com/?p=252#comment-9998 The Chevy Nova story is an urban legend. The Chevy Nova story is an urban legend.

]]> By: Liz, Boston, MA http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/07/14/watch-your-language/#comment-9997 Liz, Boston, MA Sat, 09 Aug 2008 06:51:18 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.wordpress.com/?p=252#comment-9997 I work for a US company that uses a Canadian call center. The call center's "hold" music is "elevator music," mostly showtunes. One day, as I was on hold with the call center, I heard an "elevator music" version of The Star Spangled Banner! Apparently, they didn't know it was there. I work for a US company that uses a Canadian call center. The call center's "hold" music is "elevator music," mostly showtunes. One day, as I was on hold with the call center, I heard an "elevator music" version of The Star Spangled Banner! Apparently, they didn't know it was there.

]]> By: Steven Piantieri http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/07/14/watch-your-language/#comment-9903 Steven Piantieri Mon, 04 Aug 2008 20:44:36 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.wordpress.com/?p=252#comment-9903 Hello, Great article. There are two more glaring examples of companies that didn't do their homework before they released products in foreign lands. Chevrolet had a very successful car, the Nova, for many years. They began to distribute it in Latin America without researching the meaning. How could a mega-corporation the size of General Motors not have Spanish or Italian-speaking personnel at the top of their marketing success? In many language, nova literally means, 'won't go'. Wonderful. And they wondered why it wouldn't sell.... Alfa Romeo, famed Italian automaker since 1910 (I race an elegant Alfa Romeo from the 1950s and drive two more of these fine but eclectic vehicles, image attached) unveiled a new model for the US and European market, the 164. Evidently, in one or both of the two Chinese languages it is very, very close to sounding like, 'death to you'. They learned of this AFTER the car was for sale in many continents. Sales in Asia were quite weak. I enjoy your mag and look forward to reading another issue. Steven Piantieri Tastings Restaurant, opening in autumn, 2008. Hello,
Great article. There are two more glaring examples of companies that didn't do their homework before they released products in foreign lands.

Chevrolet had a very successful car, the Nova, for many years. They began to distribute it in Latin America without researching the meaning. How could a mega-corporation the size of General Motors not have Spanish or Italian-speaking personnel at the top of their marketing success? In many language, nova literally means, 'won't go'. Wonderful. And they wondered why it wouldn't sell….

Alfa Romeo, famed Italian automaker since 1910 (I race an elegant Alfa Romeo from the 1950s and drive two more of these fine but eclectic vehicles, image attached) unveiled a new model for the US and European market, the 164. Evidently, in one or both of the two Chinese languages it is very, very close to sounding like, 'death to you'. They learned of this AFTER the car was for sale in many continents. Sales in Asia were quite weak.

I enjoy your mag and look forward to reading another issue.

Steven Piantieri
Tastings Restaurant, opening in autumn, 2008.

]]> By: Ann Sherwin, Raleigh NC http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/07/14/watch-your-language/#comment-9760 Ann Sherwin, Raleigh NC Wed, 23 Jul 2008 18:39:07 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.wordpress.com/?p=252#comment-9760 Surely the NOVA blunder was not "missed." It's just such a tiresome, overused example that we groan every time we hear it. The author is to be commended for using fresh illustrations! Surely the NOVA blunder was not "missed." It's just such a tiresome, overused example that we groan every time we hear it. The author is to be commended for using fresh illustrations!

]]> By: B http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/07/14/watch-your-language/#comment-9753 B Wed, 23 Jul 2008 15:48:32 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.wordpress.com/?p=252#comment-9753 How could you miss the attempt to sell the CHEVROLET NOVA in Mexico??? Translation.. No - Va = Does not go. How could you miss the attempt to sell the CHEVROLET NOVA in Mexico??? Translation.. No – Va = Does not go.

]]> By: Kirk Shanks http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/07/14/watch-your-language/#comment-9752 Kirk Shanks Wed, 23 Jul 2008 15:48:10 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.wordpress.com/?p=252#comment-9752 I can't believe you did not mention the Chevy Nova. "No va" in Spanish means "no go". So, a car called the NoGo? I can't believe you did not mention the Chevy Nova. "No va" in Spanish means "no go". So, a car called the NoGo?

]]> By: Robert DeCamp http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/07/14/watch-your-language/#comment-9751 Robert DeCamp Wed, 23 Jul 2008 15:47:46 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.wordpress.com/?p=252#comment-9751 Years ago this car never sold in Spain.. Va in spanish means go. The car doesn't go...Nova Years ago this car never sold in Spain.. Va in spanish means go. The car doesn't go…Nova

]]> By: Tony Higgins http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/07/14/watch-your-language/#comment-9750 Tony Higgins Wed, 23 Jul 2008 15:47:23 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.wordpress.com/?p=252#comment-9750 A good write-up – but in the gallery, you missed the most famous example of what poor name selection can do. For many years, GM marketed the Chevy Nova successfully – but not in Spanish-speaking countries, where Nova quickly was heard as “no va” – it won’t go! Tony Higgins / Director of IT Governance and Security Fontainebleau Resorts LLC A good write-up – but in the gallery, you missed the most famous example of what poor name selection can do.

For many years, GM marketed the Chevy Nova successfully – but not in Spanish-speaking countries, where Nova quickly was heard as “no va” – it won’t go!

Tony Higgins / Director of IT Governance and Security
Fontainebleau Resorts LLC

]]> By: Svetlana Malinina http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/07/14/watch-your-language/#comment-9749 Svetlana Malinina Wed, 23 Jul 2008 15:46:49 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.wordpress.com/?p=252#comment-9749 The whole article was great. I should say that I am a student and my subject at university is marketing. I`ve often though of the importance of words, especially when we are talking about ads and market`s aims. The articale was very intriguing and amusing and at the same time extremly significant and reasonable. It was a real peasure for me to read it because it made me thik of all misunderstandins and the situations, resulting from them... I`d better stop writting because I think I`ve taken enough of your time.:) The whole article was great. I should say that I am a student and my subject at university is marketing. I`ve often though of the importance of words, especially when we are talking about ads and market`s aims. The articale was very intriguing and amusing and at the same time extremly significant and reasonable. It was a real peasure for me to read it because it made me thik of all misunderstandins and the situations, resulting from them…
I`d better stop writting because I think I`ve taken enough of your time.:)

]]> By: Jose S. Altamirano, West Sacramento, California http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/07/14/watch-your-language/#comment-9748 Jose S. Altamirano, West Sacramento, California Wed, 23 Jul 2008 15:46:19 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.wordpress.com/?p=252#comment-9748 I couldn't agree more with your article. When I started reading your article, I wondered if KIA (Hyundai) Motors had ever used Choice Translating. They sure could have used them. They're marketing an SUV called The KIA Borrego. In Spanish, it translates to the KIA "sheep." It is even spelled perfectly in Spanish. Honestly, who wants to drive in car called a sheep. Not too many Spanish people in California will be buying it, I can almost guarantee it. If they do, they'll be ridiculed by their family members. Someone in Korea did not do their homework. If you know Hyundai's e-mail, you may want to forward this. I couldn't find it. I couldn't agree more with your article. When I started reading your article, I wondered if KIA (Hyundai) Motors had ever used Choice Translating. They sure could have used them. They're marketing an SUV called The KIA Borrego. In Spanish, it translates to the KIA "sheep." It is even spelled perfectly in Spanish.

Honestly, who wants to drive in car called a sheep. Not too many Spanish people in California will be buying it, I can almost guarantee it. If they do, they'll be ridiculed by their family members. Someone in Korea did not do their homework.

If you know Hyundai's e-mail, you may want to forward this. I couldn't find it.

]]> By: Wesley http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/07/14/watch-your-language/#comment-9682 Wesley Tue, 22 Jul 2008 08:35:16 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.wordpress.com/?p=252#comment-9682 Pepsi Cola used to have an ad campaign that said "Come alive with Pepsi". Translated into Chinese, it came out "Bring your ancestors back from the dead with Pepsi". Pepsi Cola used to have an ad campaign that said "Come alive with Pepsi". Translated into Chinese, it came out "Bring your ancestors back from the dead with Pepsi".

]]> By: B.V., Chicago, IL http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/07/14/watch-your-language/#comment-9626 B.V., Chicago, IL Sat, 19 Jul 2008 23:28:06 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.wordpress.com/?p=252#comment-9626 IKEA FARTFULL - Fartfull desk on wheels IKEA sells this workbench as the FARTFULL. Although IKEA's web page says FARTFULL is not for sale on the web, I still enjoy recommending it as the perfect gift suggestion for various people. Swedish is a Germanic language, and "Fährt" is German for travel, so I am sure "fartfull" is being used here to suggest mobility, given the desk's wheels and design. Swedish has several words for fart, but one of them is "Fjärt", which strikes me as close enough that their marketing department knew what it was doing. If even bad press is good public relations, then this is a case of allowing an ill wind to blow some good. Let your imagination run wild when they say this not-for-sale desk passes a lot of gas! Taken from the website below. IKEA FARTFULL – Fartfull desk on wheels IKEA sells this workbench as the FARTFULL. Although IKEA's web page says FARTFULL is not for sale on the web, I still enjoy recommending it as the perfect gift suggestion for various people.

Swedish is a Germanic language, and "Fährt" is German for travel, so I am sure "fartfull" is being used here to suggest mobility, given the desk's wheels and design. Swedish has several words for fart, but one of them is "Fjärt", which strikes me as close enough that their marketing department knew what it was doing. If even bad press is good public relations, then this is a case of allowing an ill wind to blow some good. Let your imagination run wild when they say this not-for-sale desk passes a lot of gas!

Taken from the website below.

]]> By: B.V., Chicago, IL http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/07/14/watch-your-language/#comment-9622 B.V., Chicago, IL Sat, 19 Jul 2008 23:13:48 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.wordpress.com/?p=252#comment-9622 Chevrolet Nova. I've read about this blunder in my International Business class. It didn't sell well in Mexico and Brazil because "no va" translates into "it doesn't go." So in other words, Chevrolet made an advertising blunder in these Latin-American countries that means "Chevrolet it doesn't go." Chevrolet Nova. I've read about this blunder in my International Business class. It didn't sell well in Mexico and Brazil because "no va" translates into "it doesn't go." So in other words, Chevrolet made an advertising blunder in these Latin-American countries that means "Chevrolet it doesn't go."

]]> By: Fry, NYC, NJ http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/07/14/watch-your-language/#comment-9609 Fry, NYC, NJ Sat, 19 Jul 2008 20:24:53 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.wordpress.com/?p=252#comment-9609 Ford Kuga is also sold under this name throughout the former Yugoslavia. Kuga means Plague in the local language. Ford Kuga is also sold under this name throughout the former Yugoslavia. Kuga means Plague in the local language.

]]> By: Sweden http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/07/14/watch-your-language/#comment-9514 Sweden Fri, 18 Jul 2008 12:37:32 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.wordpress.com/?p=252#comment-9514 Honda has a smaller car called Fitta in many countries but not in sweden, norway and denmark, because it's a crude word for female genitalia. Here it's called Jazz instead, which isn't a crude word for female genitalia, at least not yet. But why not Honda Fitta when you think of it, could be great marketing. Fitta - a car for all sizes - when size doesn't matter - "my husband really likes our Fitta - Fitta, for the whole family - small on the outside, big in the inside etc... Honda has a smaller car called Fitta in many countries but not in sweden, norway and denmark, because it's a crude word for female genitalia. Here it's called Jazz instead, which isn't a crude word for female genitalia, at least not yet. But why not Honda Fitta when you think of it, could be great marketing. Fitta – a car for all sizes – when size doesn't matter – "my husband really likes our Fitta – Fitta, for the whole family – small on the outside, big in the inside etc…

]]> By: J, Chicago IL http://fsbfeatures.blogs.fsb.cnn.com/2008/07/14/watch-your-language/#comment-9497 J, Chicago IL Thu, 17 Jul 2008 18:34:50 +0000 http://fsbfeatures.wordpress.com/?p=252#comment-9497 The campaign "Hello Moto" did nothing for Motorola in India because in Hindi Moto means 'fatty'. The campaign "Hello Moto" did nothing for Motorola in India because in Hindi Moto means 'fatty'.

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