Rebranding Redux

August 6, 2009 8:05 AM

Pecsi, or Pepsiit doesn't matter, as long as you drink our sugar water. Want to sound like a native? Which one? This article can help you achieve that. That's the quick version, if you want something more academic, try this.
posted by Ruthless Bunny (19 comments total)

Xixi no pecsi!
posted by rokusan at 8:07 AM on August 6 [1 favorite]

No Coca! Pecsi!
posted by Ruthless Bunny at 8:10 AM on August 6

Next: math HOW we
posted by weapons-grade pandemonium at 8:22 AM on August 6

Why is the guy from Goodfellas selling soft drinks?
posted by l33tpolicywonk at 8:27 AM on August 6

I prefer Mesho Yesho.
posted by Sys Rq at 8:52 AM on August 6

Or Mesho Shesho, even.
posted by Sys Rq at 8:57 AM on August 6

I went to Morocco several years ago, and on the plane trip home, I found myself talking to a Pepsi distributor who was trying to make inroads in the country. I asked him how it was going - I only saw Coca-Cola everywhere. He said it was impossible, mostly because the word "Pepsi" was not easily translatable into Moroccan Arabic. Everyone pronounced it "beubs."
posted by queensissy at 9:22 AM on August 6

Everyone pronounced it "beubs."

Um. And this was a marketing problem how?
posted by rokusan at 9:28 AM on August 6

I'm not sure, but I think 'beubs' means bull pissle in Arabic.
posted by digsrus at 9:44 AM on August 6

Um. And this was a marketing problem how?

To people in marketing - if what you are trying to sell isn't selling - that is a problem. Their usual solution is to throw more money at the problem.
posted by rough ashlar at 9:46 AM on August 6

Speaking of sugar water -- when i was about 5 years old, i asked my mom for some pepsi, and she said "No... all it is, is sugar and water."

So, Captain Genius here, decides to take his mother literally, and mixes up some sugar and water, and is furious that it does NOT in fact taste like Pepsi.

I learned then to never trust adults.
posted by symbioid at 10:09 AM on August 6 [1 favorite]

Parts of Tuscany have a similar linguistic twist with hard C's becoming H: Coke becomes Hoha-Hola.
posted by Ogre Lawless at 10:46 AM on August 6

I like to have Picsa with my Pecsi - Especially if it's from Picsa Huck.
posted by joe defroster at 10:46 AM on August 6 [1 favorite]

Use the Spanish found in Uruguay and Buenos Aires. Say "vos" instead of "tú." Pronounce "ll" as the "th," rather than the more usual "y."

¡!

The elle is pronounced anywhere from "sh" to "zh" to "j" (in English terms), but "th"? ¡Never!
posted by languagehat at 11:00 AM on August 6

To people in marketing - if what you are trying to sell isn't selling - that is a problem. Their usual solution is to throw more money at the problem.

I think if I had a product pronounced "beubs" I would find a way to market it.

"Beubs on the rocks."
"Rum and beubs."
"Beubs to come home to."

The posters wouldn't be very challenging either.
posted by rokusan at 12:34 PM on August 6

Colombia
posted by Rat Spatula at 12:55 PM on August 6 [1 favorite]

In related "news" -- Coca-Cola vs. Pepsi, Revised Edition.
posted by ericb at 2:29 PM on August 6

I got so beaten down, so jaded, by the Cola wars that I've taken to mixing them - 50% Coke, 50% Pepsi - so I can drink a beverage without offending both sides.
posted by twoleftfeet at 3:10 PM on August 6

Talk Castillian Spanish, also the Spanish of northern Madrid, by pronouncing "ce" and "ci" as "th." Also, use "vosotros" instead of the more common "usetedas."

Use the Spanish found in Uruguay and Buenos Aires. Say "vos" instead of "tú." Pronounce "ll" as the "th," rather than the more usual "y."

ORLY. I think I will be sticking with me "Trade Winds" accent...

Listen to tapes or recordings from each of the different regions of Spain. This will perfect your accent.

MAAAH. Did this guy ever hear ANY Spanish?? Please, please, MeFi readers, do not read his stuff and think you'll try it out on the next hot Latin girl you meet.
posted by whatzit at 4:13 AM on August 7