Clifton

I though this was kinda cute, in an unintentional (I think) sort of way. I was on www.tourneo.ro checking hotel rates and needed to move the date up to what must be too far into the future. The popup message was a little confusing:

"Please verify carefuly the period introduced. We can't accomplish the requests of persons that belong to an immortal clan"

Any other Lost In Translation things going on out there?

Marilyn

Oh Clifton, that's just WONDERFUL! It sounds kind of Scots vampire-ish, doesn't it?

Clifton

Aye Lass, it does indeed! Cracked me up when I saw it. I didn't read it through the first time, then did it again, just to make sure.

Marilyn

Usually I am pretty good at figuring out what is really meant, but this one has me stumped. Any ideas?

Clifton

I had been doing the same thing since before dinner, wondering what original message they'd intended. I'm just at a loss. LOL Immortal Clan = ??

Marilyn

Maybe it's kind of like (dare I say it) The Borg?

Clifton

I think you maybe on to something there. That's just a little sensitive on their part, isn't it? Being anti-Borg?

Is it safe to be Borg in Europe?? Will we stand out (in an obvious, assimilated sort of way)? The Borg on vacation. There's an image.

RufusTFirefly

here's a website that collects interesting (mis)uses of the English language-mainly by Japanese manufacturers and advertisers. www.engrish.com

Scarlett

They need verification of the dates that the <i>whole family</i> will be staying there.

Or
it is a Scots vampire and I wanna know what they look like!
Black and red plaid kilt ?

Marilyn

I see you found this thread, Scarlett. What does a Scottish vampire wear under his kilt?
(I don't have an answer, but it sounds like a good joke, doesn't it?)

WillTravel

I saw a menu in Paris which listed various items.

The translation for crudit&eacute;s was &quot;mixed crudenesses&quot;.

corbow

I am fascinated by this sort of thing; I have a tag from a refrigerator's electrical cord that says, &quot;Endure 5 minutes please.&quot; I know they mean wait a few minutes before re-plugging in the appliance, but the connotation of endure makes it funny. I'm sure we make similar linguistic blunders--for instance, in Spanish, 'embarazada' means 'pregnant,' not embarrassed.

I gotta check out that engrish.com site!

Laidback

Menu translation posted outside a Paris restaurant: Cuisses de grenouilles persill&eacute;es=Spotted frog thighs.

PatrickLondon

50 years ago, Gerard Hoffnung (a lovely man), included some in a famous speech which is available on a BBC CD:

&quot;Standing among savage scenery, the hotel offers stupendous revelations. There is a French widow in every bedroom, affording delightful prospects.&quot;

&quot;A vivacious stream washes my doorsteps, so do not concern youself that I am not too good in bath, I am superb in bed.&quot;

He also told the story about the builder and the barrel of bricks, which some might know...

http://member.melbpc.org.au/~acal/stories/hoffnung.html

http://www.musicweb.uk.net/hoffnung/...s/hoffsale.htm

There is a well-known dish from the Middle East which is routinely translated as 'Foul Madames' (I think it's some sort of beans). Shish kebabs will appear as 'Lamb Spit', and I once saw a menu in Crete advertising 'Fried Squits'.

Clifton

These were very entertaining. Took me awhile to catch up on the links but enjoyed them. Helps me feel just a little better about what I'm likely to do to a couple of languages on the next trip. Thanks for sharing!

(back to the bat cave)

Patrick

Well now if we're talking menus too, I can't quite face an osso bucco since seeing it translated on a menu as &quot;baked leg bone of dead cow&quot;.

Laidback

Patrick that one is a classic. I saw a menu in a bistro in the 7th with a literal translation straight out of a F/E dictionary: Filet du boeuf/Net of ox.

Patrick

Ooops. Can't believe I misquoted that. The exact translation was &quot;Baked leg bone of dead BABY cow.&quot; Even worse!

Laidback

Patrick, another menu guffaw from my list was on L'Ile St. Louis. Terrine de foie gras au pain de compagne=Pot of time fat to the farm house bread...

pipsil

PatrickLondon
Gerard Hoffnung!!! Does that ever bring back memories. I have the audio tape of the builder/bucket story. It's not a great copy but still wonderful. I think I'll go and listen to it right now. It amazes me that it never gets old.Breaks me up each time I hear it.