Is it safe inside your head?

[sovay]

I discovered this afternoon that the name of the Japanese folk hero Momotarō does not really mean "Peach Boy." Rather, Tarō is a popular boy's name—which made me think that, if rendered idiomatically into English, Momotarō should be Peach Jack. Then I realized that while "Peach Boy" may not be a strict translation, "Peach Jack" sounds like a species of moonshine. This is why I am not a professional translator from the Japanese.

The Red Hot Chili Peppers' By the Way (2002) is not the album for me to listen to when I'm in a bad mood.

Comments

[tithenai.livejournal.com]

The Red Hot Chili Peppers' By the Way (2002) is not the album for me to listen to when I'm in a bad mood.

Why? Does it compound it, or banish it prematurely? ; ) I love that album so much.

[setsuled.livejournal.com]

Then I realized that while "Peach Boy" may not be a strict translation, "Peach Jack" sounds like a species of moonshine. This is why I am not a professional translator from the Japanese.

Well, it's not far from "Samurai Jack".

I never really trust Japanese to English translations. I'm usually glad I have some familiarity with Japanese, because there've often been times the English subtitles are just complete rewrites that don't even go with the spirit of the original line. I was just watching a show yesterday where two groups of guys simultaneously shouted "Konnichi wa!" at each other and the subtitle was "Excuse me!"

I'm in a bad mood.

Why're you in a bad mood?

[nineweaving.livejournal.com]

...not the album for me to listen to when I'm in a bad mood.

You shouldn't drink Peach Jack either.

Sympathies.

Nine

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

Jackie the Peach?

Jack Peach?

No, it just doesn't work, does it?

I guess peaches have a different connotation in Japanese culture. Aren't they symbols of longevity or good fortune of something along those lines.

How about Lucky Jack?

[strange-selkie.livejournal.com]

*experimentally hums Ballad von Jackie Pescher*

[stsisyphus.livejournal.com]

From the Wikipedia on Peach (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peach),

"Due to its luscious taste and soft texture, in ancient China 'peach' was also a slang word for 'young bride', and it has remained in many cultures as a way to define pretty young women..."

There's some interesting play to be had there with Peach Jack, or "Jack" - however it comes out.

"Peach Jack" sounds like a species of moonshine...

Probably some bootleg brandy masquerading as whiskey made in South Carolina. So far, I'm thinking: Mix with chilled tangerine juice, garnish with rind. More flamboyant than plum wine after a meal, but contributes to a convivial atmosphere. But I'm not a mixologist by any degree.

[ap-aelfwine.livejournal.com]

Hmm... "Peach Jack" does sound like some sort of godawful homemade brandy distilled from peaches, but is that a bad thing?

Depends on our friend Context, I suppose. ;-)

Sorry to hear you've been in a bad mood, and I hope you're feeling better soon.