Lost in Translation – Blogisode 11

** This is an occasional thread through my blog series – dedicated to things that can be mis understood, mis-interpreted, and just plain odd because they lose something (or gain someting unintended) in translation. And since seeing is believing, I’m here to provide you with VISUAL proof of what’s been… LOST IN TRANSLATION. **

Well it’s been a while since I went down this road – nearly a month in fact – since I last mentioned anything. However, this past week has really come up with some doozies (must be the end of the quarter) that I have decided to post this week’s examples in one thread. First up are a couple gems from Tiny Teltow, Germany – where they think they’re cosmopolitan, but really… well…they are a never ending source for a few giggles.

Here’s the Wolff Optical.

Wolff Optic

Ok so I loved the name of the optician (the only thing that would be better would be if they were “hawk” optic).

I am, however, still confused by the repetitive use of the clock faces in all of their store windows. What does a clock (a symbol for time?) have to do with buying eyeglasses and contact lenses?

Right next store to it is a shop that has closed up. Probabally because it had such a bad name – that I always thought would be more suited to a Strip Club, Gangster Hang-out, or something devious. It’s the Station 4 Players:

Station 4 players

Yes, really. But instead of being what one might expect it to have been – when it was open, it was a shop that geared toward sports players – selling jerseys, equipment, etc. Bummer.. maybe now though – someone will rent it and just not bother to rename.

Last but not least (yeah, it’s the best) it’s yet another ad from Burger King’s mis-guided executive promotions department. Yes, I’m sure the burgers taste great but really…..

Mountain Burger

The Mountain Burger.

“Gigantish grosser grillgenuss”

Basically giant sized large grilled goodness… in a burger.

You have the options of a smoky barbeque mountain ( a favorite from those plagued by wildfires); the blue cheese mountain (just in case you’re tired of a few purple mountains magesty); and the rocky cheese mountain (wait.. rocks and cheese?!? I guess you really can eat anything with the right topping….)

My favorite is still the “angry whopper” but…. this is pretty good too.

Once again, Burger King gets the award for the best Lost in Translation – and the best burger. What do ya know.. maybe despite the weird campaign… they really do know what they’re doing?!?

*ps – I’m off to prague tomorrow, so I’ll be back on Tuesday with all new sources of inspiration.

Share