10 Translation Blunders That Might Make You Blush

Good For A Laugh, Bad For Business

1. Coca Cola

Via google.co.il

French and English words on bottle caps of Vitamin water failed to translate accurately. For French speakers, "retard" means "late," but when translated to English became "You Retard."

2. Ikea

Via google.co.il

Ikea launched a children's bunk bed named "Gutvik." It's a small town in Sweden and when translated to English, means "good fuck." The ad was quickly withdrawn.

3. Schweppes

Via google.co.il!&es_sm=93&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=j7LPU6ebFK-w7AaImoHQBg&ved=0CAgQ_AUoAQ&biw=1002&bih=556#facrc=_&imgdii=-jgYv

In Italy, a campaign for Schweppes Tonic Water translated the name into Schweppes Toilet Water!

4. Electrolux Vacuum

Via google.co.il

Sweden's famous vacuum cleaner manufacturer Electrolux's tagline when translated to English read: "Nothing Sucks Like an Electrolux."

The vacuum did not sell well.

5. Fukushima Industries

Via google.co.il

Fukushima Industries in Japan introduced a new mascot in the form of a cutesy flying egg. They named it Fukuppy, which was apparently an attempt to meld the company name with the last three letters of the English word “happy.”

6. Kinki Nippon Tourist - KNT

Via google.co.il

Japan’s second-largest tourist agency was mystified when it entered English-speaking markets and began receiving requests for unusual sex tours. Upon finding out why, the owners of Kinki Nippon Tourist Company decided to go with KNT in English-speaking countries.

7. Mitt Romney Campaign

Via google.co.il

Mitt Romney's election poster...Amercia the Beautiful.

8. Paxan

Via google.co.il

In Iran, where this detergent is manufactured, that word means “snow.” Outside of Iran, where this detergent is sold, it calls forth something rather less pristine.

9. Olfa Blades

Via google.co.il

This Japanese company sold knives in the United States. The warning sign on the box when translated to English read: Caution: Blade extremely sharp. Keep out of children.

10. Pee Cola Ltd.

Via buzzfeed.com

This extremely popular soda, which is bottled in Ghana, means “very good Cola,” but that’s not how most native English speakers see it.