On a recent walk to the train home, I was looking at other cars and how their names might make a different impression in other languages. It is well known that GM didn't sell the Nova well in Spanish-speaking markets. For those with limited Spanish fluency (like myself), it turns out that "no va" means "it doesn't go." As I was thinking these thoughts, a Toyota Echo drove by. And I remembered a long-ago Spanish lesson. There is a verb, echar, meaning "to throw out." So echo = I throw out! Feel free to refine my translation, as I have had little chance to use this word. Any other cars whose names translate poorly?
Buick LaCrosse - Fr. Cdn. slang for masturbation There's also the Mitsubishi Pajero but I can't remember in which language was Pajero offensive
I remember living in La Crosse, WI when the Buick La Crosse came out and the whole slang for masturbation thing became well known in town. Local radio stations had a field day calling random French-speaking businesses and telling them they were located in La Crosse.... oh the good old college days.
Yes, I recall Buick's problem. Odd, too, because they had that model name in the late 50's before this one. But wait...I have two relatives who play lacrosse! What's the punch line... Oh, yes. I must tell them to keep up the good work! :roll:
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tideland Prius\";p=\"86984)</div> IIRC, Spanish.......meaning is the same as "lacrosse". Re the Nova thing, Snopes claims that whole deal to be false: http://www.snopes.com/business/misxlate/nova.asp
