... But You Can See It From There.
That's the slogan on my favorite T-shirt. Linda and Alice sent it to me in early 1984 after Jerry and I traveled to Pierre from Washington, D.C., to spend Christmas with the family. The reason for the T-shirt? The windchill was -81F when we got stranded in a blizzard in Sioux Falls and all Mid-Western airports were forced closed. We made the usually 4-hour bus ride to Pierre three days later. That took 9 hours. We spent five days in Pierre. The high temperature that week was -5F. The T-shirt must have been made to withstand the extremes of the South Dakota weather. Not only does it still fit (credit goes to me), but it's still in great condition (and I've worn it a lot).
Since our arrival in Spain, I've seen all sorts of odd variations on the English language proudly displayed on T-shirts. "IF YOU THINK THAT I HAVE HEAT... WE MY PLACE, YES." Sorry I didn't get a picture of the woman wearing that one, but she was in her late 60s, sour-looking, and quite dowdy. I didn't think she'd appreciate my attention. Anyway, I'm quite sure she was without "heat."
Another T-shirt I've seen in Sevilla was stretched-to-bursting across the massive chest of a 20-something bodybuilder. His shirt read: "YOU CAN LOCK, BUT DONT TUCH." I had no idea what I was supposed to do. I was afraid to ask if a photograph was also forbidden.
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| ONE OF TERE'S VERY OWN: "DON'T GET SEE YOU!" |
I've been thinking of starting a collection of poorly translated English T-shirts. Many of these shirts are, I believe, produced in China in English for Spaniards. Some of my acquaintances have laughed when I've told them what their T-shirts really say or what I think perhaps they're meant to say — when I can figure it out.
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| SUCCESS ALSO "CONSIST OF" POOR GRAMMAR. |
Before we left the USA, T-shirts (and tattoos) written in Asian characters had become very popular. I wonder how many guys are surfing Hungtington Beach with tattoos they think say "PEACE" when what they really say is "PEE"... or who knows what else.
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| SOUTH (AND NOT SOUTHERN) CALIFORNIA IS VERY POPULAR HERE. |
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| FREE "FRUIT" AND DRINKS. I'VE ALWAYS LIKE FRUITS MORE THAN FOOD. |
Now, I'm on my way out for a walk in the glaringly bright sunshine. I hope to see some good T-shirts.
Oh dear.
ReplyDeleteThat's some mighty odd t-shirtage.
But funny.
Bob:
DeleteI wish I had more photos. Really funny sometimes.
Can you imagine if they started to print t-shirts with some of the Teabagger's misspelled signs? You think the people who wrote them are confused?...those copying them would be in a daze.
ReplyDeletesaludos,
raulito
Raulito:
DeleteThere's an untapped market. We should start a business and call it Tea-Shirts.
I wear my WALKING DEAD t shirt all the time.... what a geek!
ReplyDeleteJohn:
DeleteI have never even watched WALKING DEAD (is that uncool?). The commercials alone were enough for me.
I had something really witty to say, but once the box popped up I had forgotten it. Maybe I'll put that on a t-shirt.
ReplyDeleteWalt the Fourth:
DeleteThat made me laugh! I'm sure a lot of people would relate to that shirt.
odd but funny...I think I would spend all my time looking at t-shirts...how fun :)
ReplyDeletegreat shot of yourself Mr.B ;)
Monkey Man:
DeleteI do spend a lot of time trying to read shirts, which requires me to explain myself regularly.
I love reading T-shirts. I used to follow a site called "Engrish" which pictured not only oddly worded T-shirts but signs translated to English for tourists in Asian countries. I was once in Pierre SD coming back from a vacation to the Black Hills and Devils Tower. We ate at possibly the worst Chinese restaurant ever. We should have known better as we were the only people in the place!
ReplyDeleteMs. Sparrow:
DeleteSomeone else just told me about "Engrish." I'll have to check it out. I know that Chinese restaurant in Pierre; haven't heard anything good about it! So sorry you had to find our for yourselves. Next time you're there, go to La Minestra.
T-shirt reading is right up there with People Watching for me. Used to read bumper stickers, but now about all I see are "My kid is an honor student at .... school".... What happened to the juicy ones?
ReplyDeleteThe Odd Essay:
DeleteAnd with T-shirt reading, you get to people-watch at the same time. I agree with you about bumper stickers.
Oh I so want a weird shirt. Especially something I can wear in the cafeteria. Like wear hair for the pizza
ReplyDeletekisatrtle:
DeleteI'll let you know if I see any really appropriate ones; then you can have one made up for yourself!
And these are only the ones in Spain! You may have started something here, Mitchell Block!
ReplyDeleteJim:
DeleteNow we have to find someone to translate those Chinese shirts in the USA and find out what they REALLY say.
The store that I work in sells a lot of "made in China" stuff. Reading the fine print is always hilarious. And the bad photo shop pictures are a riot.
ReplyDeleteStew:
DeleteAnd I've had some pretty funny things pointed out to me of translations from English to Spanish. And sometimes just reading the English instructions on American products and written by Americans is embarrassing enough!
More laughs please....too funny...and this is going to getting worse or should I say funnier!
ReplyDeleteRon
Ron:
DeleteSo many more. I'll have to get pushy (aka, charming) and find ways to get pictures.
As delightful as a misspelled tattoo. :-)
ReplyDeletePearl
Pearl:
DeleteTHAT would be really embarrassing!
Ha! Great!
ReplyDeleteJudy
Seine Judeet:
DeleteI saw another good one today... and immediately forgot what it said!
Love the Huntington Beach tee...lived in DC for 12 years -- wonder how many times we brushed past each other on the street?!
ReplyDeleteI WONDER WYE:
DeleteThanks so much for stopping by. I just visited your blog and will soon be doing more than brushing past! I love the thought of our paths crossing all those years ago.