When words get in the way
Posted on November 23, 2006 - Filed Under Punch Forum |
Ms Ric
23 Nov 2006
Point taken, Emmanuelle.A few weeks ago, I was asked to translate “Pang-ilang presidente ng Pilipinas si Pangulong Arroyo?” The best I could come up with was “Where would Arroyo be in the sequential succession of Presidents of the Philippines?” I was told it was contrite, and it does sound off.
Speaking of translation, does anyone know what “Caramba” means? I say it when exasperated or annoyed, not knowing what it really means. Any ideas, Mr. Villafania?
While we’re at it, how about clearing up some of these abbreviations, initials, acronyms, whatever you call ‘em: Con-ASS, as opposed to what? Pro-ASS? Sounds like something they should shove up someone’s body part. Con-Con, que? Cha-cha, dance anyone? How about PADUGO, is this where the doctors bash their irons and woods unto unsuspecting little dimpled heads? My favorite – COCOPEA, a cornucopia of educational guns who’s gone coocoo? CHED, isn’t he an actor? PACUCAO, this almost sounds… not clean.
Whew! The Pinoy’s penchant at making up new words sometimes gets in the way of my understanding what in heaven’s name you guys are writing about.
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