We’re used to foreigners borrowing English words and
phrases. After all, we just have a way with words in Blighty and it’s hardly
surprising that others want to snaffle them. I was slightly surprised, however,
on a recent business trip to Germany, to see quite how far the phenomenon has
gone. Picking up a copy of self-styled ‘fashion magazin’ Mädchen Style as a gift for my teenage girls, there’s evidence of a
completely bizarre hybrid language which is neither fisch nor fowl.
“Kann mann diese Hosen nur zum Sport tragen?” the mag asks
its readers. The answer is a resounding “Nö!”
It becomes clear that ‘Stars und Fashionistas’ have judged this
particular pair of jogging bottoms to be an absolute ‘It-Piece’ – not only ideal
for running around the block, but also well suited to a catwalk promenade.
On some pages, the headlines are written in English, while
the body copy that follows is in German. And we’re then treated to a selection
of colourful phrases that owe something to both languages.
Hyphenation is the order of the day.
Design-Stars tell us about 2014’s Must-Haves and Key-Items,
which might be eine kleine Clutch or a pair of glasses that are part of the
current coolen Streetstyles.
Some girls go for the grunge-like Trashy Used-Look. But what if you were into the ultra-hot
Hippie-Look instead? Well, you’re in luck, as “It’s Festival-Time!” and today’s
coolen outfits are all a reminder of the legendären Woodstock-Festival.
This weird new world of English-Speak hasn’t unfortunately
made its way into adult conversation in Germany. When I tried it out on taxi
drivers in Hannover, they were having none of it. Back to the drawing board for
Washed-And-Ready-To-Eat.
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