Engrish

· from English (slang)

What is Engrish?

Engrish (and Chinglish, Konglish signs) is humorous, mistaken or creative English on signs, menus and products in East Asia.

It typically comes from literal translation, machine translation or decorative use of English where meaning matters less than look. Collectors share examples online, though critics note it can mock non-native speakers. Learners in any direction make the same kinds of mistakes.

Examples

小心地滑 xiǎoxīn dì huá translated as Slip carefully (caution, wet floor); decorative English on T-shirts; menu items translated word by word

Kungfucius says: Before laughing at a sign, imagine your own sign in Mandarin. Exactly.