Now I’ll admit that exported Japanese cars have silly names such as Shogun and Samurai, but would you ever consider riding around in a Bongo?
Mildly amusing English usage #12
Photographs from a small group of islands
Photographs from a small group of islands
Now I’ll admit that exported Japanese cars have silly names such as Shogun and Samurai, but would you ever consider riding around in a Bongo?
Nacente says
I have add one strange name, Nissan Moco. In Spanish, moco is snot (the thing that go out from the nose, that’s green or yellow). Maybe too well, explaines edit the comment if you think should be edited.
And they offer Moco in color green hahaha
Bunny says
I wonder if he has an oil DRUM in the back. I do know that the Bongo is not a status CYMBAL to drive in Tokyo…. BOOM! BOOM! CRASH!
…….I know. I know. Bloody awful!
Nicki says
My favorite is the Mazda Laputa, which translates to “the whore” in Spanish. A Spanish car magazine mentioned both the Moco and Laputa in an article without the slightest hint of sarcasm… Also the Mitsubishi Starion was supposed to be their response to the Ford Mustang, but for an unfortunate spelling mistake. Go stallion, go!
Peter says
Well, I am not sure that America is that much better. Specifically, I’ve known “Hummer” as a nickname of a blowjob long before the car was named that.
snurra says
How about owning a Midget?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/snurra/15271954
Ray says
What about Nova? No va = No go in Spanish. Way to GO, Chevy! *snorts*
Michael Wells says
The Ford Pinto’s sales also took a hit in South America. Surprisingly, owning a car with “small testicles” stamped on the rump just wasn’t considered cool…
liz says
Chiming in late on this one:
The best Japanese car names that I have spotted down on Shikoku:
1. Joypop is a slightly older, dodgy model van
2. Perky. I kid you not. don’t know who makes it, but it was some sort of a mini car.
3. (ok, admittedly not the car model, but a sweet decal instead): Me Lady.
On a small, crimson-nail-polish-colored mini car.
I’d be up for a ride in the Bongo.