In a previous post, I had written (humorously, hopefully) on the contrast between American and European restaurant culture. Recently I’ve been digging through my Google drive and found a list I had written of corporate slogans and their respective translations into British parlance. The humor is all in the contrast IMHO, and how the British are quite particular and politic with any public messaging. My favorite British word: ‘sorted‘. I highly recommend giving it a try in your next professional conversation.
Nike
Original: Just do it
British: Say ‘sorted’ sooner
Apple
Original: Think different
British: Mind other potentially revealing perspectives
KFC
Original: It’s finger lickin’ good
British: So tasteful your fingers will be improperly dirty
Coca cola
Original: Open happiness
British: After opening, feel fresher
McDonald’s
Original: I’m loving it
British: Difficult to detest
Dunkin Donuts
Original: America runs on Dunkin
British: Enjoy an American size portion of caffeine, and with a donut
Autozone
Original: Get in the zone
British: Be immersed and focused with your automobile
Aflac (supplemental health insurance)
Original: Ask about it at work
British: You already have NHS
Quest Diagnostics
Original: The patient comes first
British: First the Queen, then wherever the patient is in queue. Please mind the queue.
Home depot
Original: More saving. More doing.
British: Be efficient with both your money and labor
Tractor Supply Company
Original: For life out here
British: For the Cotswolds or even further…
Wells Fargo
Original: Together we’ll go far
British: Banking so proper you won’t want to try anywhere else.
… how about the other way while we’re here …
Americanized slogans of British companies:
BT (British Telecom)
Original: It’s good to talk
American: Never miss an important post, DM, or stream. Ever.
Tesco (super and express markets)
Original: Every little helps
American: Everything you need, quickly
British Airways
Original: The world’s favorite airline
American: The best airline in the universe
Marks & Spencer (grocer and department store)
Original: The customer is always and completely right
American: We promise you won’t go wrong
Vodafone
Original: Make the most now
American: Grab life and do your thing
Jaguar
Original: Own a Jaguar at a price of a car
American: Get in a Jag now, we’ll figure out the financing (subject to terms and conditions, assuming an 84.7 month lease, medium-good credit score or verbally stated income stream(s), and variable interest financing adjusting every 39 days but not to exceed 200 basis points movement or fall below the predominant Greek 10 years bond rate whichever is higher, subject to cancellation and not available in the states of Idaho, Florida, or Reno Nevada due to ongoing litigation)
Matthew Kindzerske 