I’m not pioneering the amusement potential of “Engrish,” the mind-numbing spawn of English when used solely for decorative purposes. But while reading through the amazing computer-generated Twitter spam of horse e-books, I realized something: The two forms of completely nonsensical English have their own quirks.
So, I’ve made a little test with a theory: People who live in Japan and are accustomed to Japanese English will be able to spot its charms when isolated from the computer-generated poetry of a Spam engine. I suspect those of you who have never been to Japan will have some difficulty.
Enjoy!
1. NEGOTIATOR!
2. Every time you go away – Take!
3. Make your own laundry
4. A stubborn boss is particular about European cars
5. PART OF STRUCTURE. Two stories. Five stories.
6. I heart my attitude program.
7. It’s never mind sharing.
8. I heart keeping friends.
9. Do you have a problem with time.
10. Stress me out and destroy my home.
11. Peace hopes me.
12. I heart hug.
13. Money instead of burning.
14. If it is Spring, I will call a circus. Oh daddy oh daddy, magic circus.
15. Eighties rock are my friends. Roll on roll. Lack of sound!
16. Driving a speed boat is a big responsibility.
Answers are in the comments.
Let me know how you did:
Spam Tweet: 1, 3, 5, 9, 10, 13, 16
Japanese T-Shirt: 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 11, 12, 14, 15
Nice quiz! I remember a few of these that you’ve tweeted, that was my only advantage.
My favorite t-shirt (on a 3 year old student) said “my special lurking place” in quirky cartoon font. “Army corps of hell: shocker who plan on world conquest secret” was another good one.
Speaking of shirts… do you have any idea how one could go about buying shirts that are only sold in Japan? I love some of The Pillows shirts, but can’t for the life of me find any way to get them.
No idea man. What are you looking for exactly?
Maybe try Flutterscape.com
#15 was the one I was most sure about being on a shirt.
I’m a little late, but I got #2, 11,12, 14 & 15. I thought 10 was a t-shirt. I would really like to get a t-shirt that says “my special lurking place” :D
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I’m late to this party, but the best one I ever saw was my R.A.’s “I will not speak of the drunken copulation, I only did my heart’s desire”, written in sparkly letters on a pink tshirt.