Even the biggest brands can make mistakes when bringing their brand to new markets. A company should always carefully research and identify any cultural differences, or language translations, when expanding their business. You want to catch any possible missteps before they happen. Here are some epic fails for a good laugh.
Coca-Cola
When first launched in China, the brand name was translated as “bite the wax tadpole” or “female horse stuffed with wax,” depending on dialect. We’re pretty sure that’s not what Mr. Miyagi was talking about when he said, “Wax on…”
Ford
While marketing the Ford Pinto in Brazil, they discovered “Pinto” means “tiny male genitals.” In Belgium, their slogan “Every Car Has a High-Quality Body” was translated to “Every car has a high-quality corpse.” Redefining the acronym: Found On the Road Dead”!
Pepsi
Their slogan “Pepsi Brings You Back to Life” was translated to “Pepsi brings your ancestors back from the grave,” in China. Not only did it not make any sense, it was considered disrespectful. Clearly, they were able to resuscitate their brand after such an epic mistake.
Mitsubishi
The Mitsubishi Montero was originally called the “Pajero.” “Pajero” means “jerk” in Spanish, and they did not do well in Spanish speaking markets. No bueno.
Vicks
In German, the letter “v” is pronounced as an “f”. When expanding to the German market, their brand name was suddenly German slang for sexual intercourse. We hope Vicks Vaporub didn’t end up in any odd places.
Coors
Their slogan “Turn it Loose” is slang for having diarrhea in Spanish. That’s not exactly what you want, after consuming a beverage. After all, you’re supposed to be able to drink the beer, not the water, right?
KFC
In Beijing, their slogan “Finger-Lickin’ Good” was originally translated to “eat your fingers off.” What!?! Is that why we have chicken fingers?
Pampers
When expanding their advertising to Japan, they used the stork-bringing-babies image that is practically ubiquitous in western countries. However, this had no value to Japanese audiences. As a result, a lot of marketing dollars were wasted on a culturally irrelevant ad campaign.
Do You Need a Social Media Presence?
The answer is a definitive, yes. Maintaining a consistent social media presence helps establish your brand, enforces brand cohesiveness, helps strengthen connections with existing clients, and builds trust with potential clients. An effective social media strategy requires strategic planning and a committed effort, but has many benefits for your business. Your business’s social media content…
The Difference Between Graphic Art and Graphic Design
Graphic Art – the fine and applied art of representation, decoration, and writing or printing on flat surfaces together with the techniques and crafts associated with them. Essentially, a graphic artist may create art for the sake of art. They may want to convey a certain idea or story, or they may not. Graphic artists…
What is Typography?
Essentially, typography is the visual component of the written word. It is the technique, and art, of arranging letters in a way that makes the text legible, clear, and visually appealing to the reader. Typography involves the structure, size, weight, and style of the characters. It also considers the amount of space between the letters,…
The Importance of a Social Media Presence
Social media has become an integral part of our lives, with billions of people across the globe using these platforms to connect, engage, and share content. For businesses, social media provides a powerful opportunity to build brand awareness, connect with customers, and drive growth. In today’s competitive marketplace, having a social media presence is no…
How to Create a Brand
Building a strong brand is essential for any business looking to stand out in today’s highly competitive market. A successful branding strategy can help you connect with your target audience, build trust, and differentiate your business from your competitors. Here are some tips on how to build a strong brand for your business: Determine your…
5 Ways a Well-Built Brand Makes Your Company Money
We all know standing out in a crowded market is essential for success. One way to do that is by creating and maintaining a well-built brand. After all, your brand is more than just a logo and a tagline, it’s the image and perception that customers have of your business. A strong brand sets you…
The Best Time of Day to Post on Social Media
When it comes to social media, gauging the right time or times to post is considered crucial to maximize post interactions. At Remixed, we specialize in social media marketing, and have studied the best times to post. But, it is imperative to note the data isn’t necessarily applicable for every type of audience. A few…
When Should You Utilize Digital Printing?
Digital printing is probably what most people are most familiar with, since you probably have one at home. Inkjet printers and laser printers are found in many homes, schools, and offices. Of course, these are generally consumer-level digital printers. For digital printing, images are sent directly to the printer using digital files, as opposed to…
