This was a Roman shop we passed one day. I just love the way that words don't necessarily translate just as one might think: I assume that the owners were hoping to give a classy impression, but somehow a shop called "Expensive!" (or "E!" for short) doesn't really tempt me inside.There was another shop called "Jolly Jolly Jolly" - again, this misses the sophisticated air that I imagine was intended.
I am so tired! so busy! and so sorry that I haven't been blogvisiting the last few days. And all you NaBlowhateveritis people will have been writing reams, all good stuff no doubt. I shall return.
We miss you Isabelle but can certainly understand that life gets in the way! Hope you're at least getting to spend some quality time with the family and the catlets!
ReplyDeleteWow, Isabelle. What an excellent adventure. . .and what insights. I read (and savored) each post.
ReplyDeleteWhen you ponder what Britain was doing 2,000 years ago. . . it's even sadder to think that NOTHING was happening here in the Americas!! : )
--Angie
I find that the Asians always miss something in translation when naming their restaurants or shops.
ReplyDeleteThey all need something fun and uplifting, to do with Feng Shui I believe, but why oh why do we always end up with things like "Yummy" or "The Happy Toasted Koala"?
"Expensive" is a classic if not classy name for a store.
ReplyDeleteI can't see myself in a store with that name. I'd be expecting to pay an entry fee.
ReplyDeleteWhat an odd name it seems in our understanding of the word!
ReplyDeleteHope you can get some sleep soon.
I've probably told you about my two favourite shop names in Brussels: "Look Sixty" (mildly retro fashion) and "100% Sweat" (a sports shop).
ReplyDeleteOf course, "Look Sixty" might be quite effective if they were trying to attract a clientele of 80-year-olds, but somehow I don't think they were.
I think "Jolly jolly jolly" has a certain appeal. Depends what it's selling, of course.
I'm overly daunted by clothes shops anyway so that would certainly keep me away from the door. My favourite shop name ever was a little frozen food shop on Islay called "The Wee Freeze". Still cracks me up. Anyone who is not Scottish is scratching their heads now!
ReplyDeleteYour post literally made me laugh out loud...and I needed a giggle today!
ReplyDeleteTruth in advertising?
ReplyDeleteOne wonders. Heh!
Darla
Hilarious! I love off-the-mark translations. Aunty Evil is right, some of the best ones are to be found in Asia (or Asian restaurants, shops elsewhere). I like to steer clear of any restaurants called "Good Luck Restaurant". I am always a little suspicious that it is a sarcastic invitation to enter.
ReplyDeleteWhat a find, too bad you didn't venture in to see if they were right! As for the pig story, I've googled and googled, haven't found anything, bummer, sounds like quite a story.
ReplyDeletejust to make you feel accompanied on life's journey, I have 410 assessments to mark. Yes. 410. and so far have done 30.
ReplyDeleteThose diversion tactics are just too entrenched.
Love the shop names. There is a cafe in Croatia called "Splendid Express" which I think is a rather excellent name, though possibly not in the way intended.
:-)
Hi Isabelle and sorry - I just tagged you for a meme!
ReplyDeletewww.gymisntworking.blogspot.com
I know you're busy right now - you can always save it for another day! (Ducks and runs to hide!)
I think there was a shop on Oxford Street here in London called Expensive with the same larger lowercase e. Think it might have shut a little while after it opened. Stock seemed to be cheap, rubbishly clothes.
ReplyDeleteBest shop name I saw was "Gay Jongen" (Gay Boys), was an interior design shop in Maastricht. Sold fantastically chic things.
ReplyDeleteBuying French stuff for English kids for presents, I look in vain for classy French wording on them, it seems to be considered classy here to have English on things. and some of it's really weird and nonsensical; one that tickled me was a picture on a babygrow of a bear and 'Teddy Malice' written by it!
ReplyDeleteOh, what wonderful comments to add to my short list of bad names for shops and things. I particularly love "Look Sixty" - soon I may be only too happy to do just that - and Teddy Malice?? Oh dear!
ReplyDeleteHa ha ha!! That is a real hoot!
ReplyDeletePigs would fly in Scotland before I'd enter a shop calling itself "expensive! I think I'd be much more tempted by a name like "Il Bargaino".....
ReplyDeleteThere is a shop here called "Noname". Reckon they got too lazy ..... or maybe its because they have no Designer Labels?
ReplyDelete