10 Food Names, Brands, And Slogans That Mean Something Embarrassing In Other Languages
Recently we brought you a list of 10 food and drink brands that are called something totally different abroad. This was meant to help international travelers locate their favorite eats while outside of the country, and most of the changes involved copyright or trademark issues that spurred the change. However, sometimes brands are allowed to use their original name or slogans abroad, but choose not to due to the way it sounds in another language, or the difficulty in translating the meaning. Occasionally it's because the names or words are downright offensive, inappropriate, or unintentionally hilarious in the new market.
You're probably heard of a few of these instances, but others might surprise you — especially considering how easily avoidable these errors are. After all, it may take a boatload of money to expand a company into new territory, but the cost of hiring someone who speaks the local tongue is quite inexpensive. Heck, it could even be free if you personally know somebody — and it only takes a minute to determine if a translation might be offensive or unfortunate in another language.
Yet, somehow, the following blunders still made it through. Although they were likely regrettable to the companies involved, in the name of humor, we should all be thankful.