Friday, June 6, 2008

Classic Engrish: Double Happy Dog's Pets

So, there's this pet store right across the street from the Carl's Jr. where I often eat. Every day I sit and stare out the window at this bit of English magic.

Finally, today I got too curious and ventured inside the pet store.

The owner was a Vietnamese guy with a harelip, and after I casually walked around the hot store looking at sad looking animals in small cages, I asked, "What's the name of this store?"

In a matter-of-fact tone he said, "Double Happy Dog's."

A paused for a moment and then said, "Yeah, but what does that mean?"

"It's the name of a pet store."

Then I said, "Yeah....but 'double happy?'"

"Yeah, it's like really good happy."

"Oh," I said, and nodded like I had just learned something valuable. (The only thing I really learned is that this guy saw nothing wrong with having your fucking business name be absolute jiggerish)

I took a picture of the store.

For as much as Americans complain that immigrants need to learn the language to be a productive citizen, you'd think that an immigrant wouldn't be so flippant about not knowing the language at all.

I'm sure the store will do really well.

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