Grocery Stores & International English

The language of my homeland (which let us Americans not forget is a hand-me-down from the Brits) is taking new form in many countries and cultures. I’m not convinced economic globalization is an altogether great thing, and I’m even more skeptical that any good will come of Westernization, but at least the explosion of the English language as an “international language,” is allowing a lot of people from a lot of places to talk…even if what we say in this “international language” sometimes still comes across as not quite what we were intending.

The other day we were in the grocery store and happened to have our camera, so we thought we’d take some pics of products whose names don’t quite translate well from Indonesian / Asian English to American English.

We all know sports drinks taste like sweat, but why advertise it? (This is what the doc. perscribed when Elissa was in the hospital with dengue fever & typhoid.)









It’s hard to see, but if you look close, below the label “Abon Sapi” is the description, “Beef floss.” Pretty novel idea actually – why floss after you eat beef when you can floss with beef?

I think this is my favorite. If I had kids, I’m not sure I’d want them eating these.

















Or these actually - especially with childhood obesity on the rise. At least they're warning us…











Now these guys are just plain confusing though…












And this one…go on, “Take-it” – nobody’s looking – no one’s going to miss one candy bar - and we complain about the morality of kids these days.









At least after all that chocolate, there’s “Happydent, white, baking soda” gum to keep your teeth…happy? (I wonder if you’re suppose to use this before or after beef floss?)









And if that doesn’t make you happy, try the whole tin!


















Yep, not the flavor of breath mint I was looking for.











Bag-o-mistakes?









Cereal for bullies?


















Only slightly less popular than Hello Kitty.


















And last…if you’re looking for a mate, why not try a Ciggy Mate...getting Ciggy with it?











Anyway, we had fun shopping.