Ridiculous English

Europe is full of Ridiculous English. In advertisements, in shop windows, and especially on clothing, it’s easy to find in almost any country on the continent. In Milan, my husband and I would laugh ourselves silly over the things we’d see on people’s chests or in stores, from a sparkly women’s shirt bearing the thought-provoking “pink pig always smiles” to the t-shirt that enthusiastically announced the wearer’s support for “Sporteam.” I am convinced I could make millions selling shirts that say “I don’t understand English” or “I have no idea what this shirt says.”

For some reason I expected to see less Ridiculous English in Zurich, probably because so many more people here seem to speak Actual English. Surely Ridiculous English would be less appealing here? But alas, it’s pretty popular. At least it makes shopping more interesting, like yesterday afternoon when we found these philosophical gems at Coop.

3 thoughts on “Ridiculous English”

  1. You’ve put together one of the better expat blogs I’ve seen. I’ve been lurking for a while and have enjoyed your posts very much. I’m considering a job offer in Zurich and your blog has helped my wife and I get a better sense of what life there may be like for us.

    Thanks! Cheers

  2. gotta get me one of them “for organic freaks” t-shirts. Can you make sure they don’t sell out? They don’t have them in Coop here…

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