The Internet abounds with examples of “Engrish”—signs, menus, and other writing, poorly translated into English. For example:

  • “Carefully slip and fall down.”
  • “Please present your octopus.”
  • “If you are stolen, call the police at once.”

Although English speakers find these amusing, did you ever stop to think that it works both ways—that non-English speakers might get a laugh from writing that is poorly translated from English? I’ll spare you the suspense: Yes. 

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