Unfamiliar with ‘false friends’ in the English language? Writer Chris Ciolli explained in her article 12 English Words With Unfortunate Meanings in Other Languages for award-winning travel media brand Afar: “There’s a name for the phenomenon of everyday English words that sound like offensive words in other languages: ‘false friends’.”
And for this reason, it might be wise to learn a few of them while you’re brushing up on foreign language essentials like “hello,” “please,” and “thank you”. Trust us, it’ll save you some cringe worthy moments, maybe a few giggles, or even refusal of service in worst case scenarios!
Here are a few examples of everyday words you use in the English language that translate ridiculously.
Face in France
French “fesse” (backside, bum or rear end) is pronounced just like “face.” So, it might be time to throw in some hand gestures if you’re talking about your face and get some puzzled looks.
Lull in The Netherlands
Beware if you’re talking about a “lull” in business during your Dutch presentation, because “lul” is a slang term for male private parts. This is why you might get some very strange looks – and even stranger reactions – from your audience.
Payday in Portugal
Payday is one of the most hotly anticipated days of the month. But you might want to avoid shouting about it from the rooftops in Portugal. It sounds like “peidei,” which means passing wind. Awkward!
Puff in Germany
No, we’re not talking about billowy mist, pastries, or even smoking cigarettes. In Germany, “puff” is slang for a house of ill-repute. So, you might want to find another way to reword your English language to avoid raised eyebrows.
Salsa in Korea
Fancy salsa with your burrito in Korea? Be careful! “Salsa” sounds like “seolsa,” which means diarrhoea. Maybe just call it “sauce” instead.
At la Academia, it’s our pleasure to save hundreds of students every year from some seriously awkward moments when they’re travelling. After all, the English language is notorious for it’s nuances and quirks when you’re learning to speak a different lingo.
Get in touch for details about our forthcoming courses and 1:1 tuition options, and make false friends your NBFs, not your enemies.