Expat Agony: Ten Cringe-Worthy Language Blunders to Avoid

Photo Credit (Pixabay)

Navigating a new language can be an adventure, but sometimes it leads to some truly embarrassing moments. Here are ten of the funniest and most awkward language mix-ups experienced by Euronews staff that you should definitely watch out for.

Proposing to a Waitress “
During a school trip to Russia, my teacher used the word ‘finished’ in a way that took on a sexual connotation in modern Russian. We had to add the prefix ‘za’ to make it more generic. The waitress found it hilarious!” — Hannah “I’m a non-native Spanish speaker and once asked for a ‘mojito de pechos’ (breast mojito) instead of a peach mojito. The look on the bartender’s face was priceless.” — James

Telling the Cashier to Go to Bed
“After moving to France, I would cheerfully say ‘bonne nuit’ to my favorite cashier in the evening. I later learned that ‘bonne nuit’ is only for when someone is actually going to bed. The correct phrase is ‘bonne soirée’ (good evening).” — Ian

Misinterpreting Excitement
“English speakers often say ‘je suis excité’ thinking it means ‘I am excited,’ but it actually means ‘I am horny!’ It can lead to some very awkward conversations.” — Héloïse

The Pain in the Rear
“In France, mixing up ‘cul’ (bottom) and ‘cou’ (neck) can result in telling your in-laws, ‘J’ai très mal au cul aujourd’hui’ (I have a very painful a** today).” — Charlotte “

I once pronounced ‘queue’ (line) as ‘cul’ (arse) while waiting in Quebec. My mistake left everyone in stitches.” — James

Marital Misunderstandings “In Spain, I once said I was ‘muy casado’ (very married) when I meant ‘muy cansado’ (very tired). I think I confused a lot of people!” — James

Contraceptive Confusion “Our French teacher warned us about the false friend ‘preservatif’ (condom). He mistakenly used it while talking about bread preservatives. It didn’t go well.” — Hannah

“A male friend in Spain said ‘estoy embarazado’ (I’m pregnant) when he meant to say he was embarrassed. It certainly added to his embarrassment!” — James

Just a Kiss?
“In Hungarian, ‘puszi’ (kisses) sounds like ‘pussy’ to English speakers, which always causes a few giggles.” — Rita

Rental Missteps
“When I moved to a new flat, I accidentally asked for a ‘crématoire’ (crematorium) instead of a ‘crémaillère’ (housewarming party). The landlord’s reaction was priceless.” — Rita

Cathedral Confusion
“While outside a cathedral in France, I accidentally referred to the ‘Verge Marie’ (Penis Mary) instead of ‘Vierge Marie’ (Virgin Mary). The embarrassment was palpable.” — James

An Interesting Method
“In Russian, the verbs for ‘to write’ and ‘to piss’ are the same with different stress. I once accidentally told my teacher I was pissing rather than writing my homework.” — Hannah