I first learned about Kinder Überraschung, "children's surprise" eggs in Germany. My kids liked the chocolate and I loved assembling the ingenious toys in the little yellow capsule. I was surprised when they were marketed as 'Kinder surprise' in English speaking countries. I assumed people would read Kinder as a brand name. Did people there really see it as a surprise that is more kind than other surprises?
No, English speakers see the word "kinder" and think of a short a sound, like kindergarten. "Kind" with a long a sound is usually modified as "more kind" instead of "kinder." That's why this joke works in text, but wouldn't work as a spoken joke.
Unfortunately Kinder Surprise are banned from import into the United States https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/local-media-release/cross-border-travelers-are-reminded-kinder-egg-ban This includes tourists who are smuggling... http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/kinder-surprise-egg-removed-from-easter-townships-man-1.3514283
I first learned about Kinder Überraschung, "children's surprise" eggs in Germany. My kids liked the chocolate and I loved assembling the ingenious toys in the little yellow capsule. I was surprised when they were marketed as 'Kinder surprise' in English speaking countries. I assumed people would read Kinder as a brand name. Did people there really see it as a surprise that is more kind than other surprises?
ReplyDeleteNo more than they consider a kindergarten a kinder garden I suppose...
DeleteNo, English speakers see the word "kinder" and think of a short a sound, like kindergarten. "Kind" with a long a sound is usually modified as "more kind" instead of "kinder." That's why this joke works in text, but wouldn't work as a spoken joke.
DeleteUnfortunately Kinder Surprise are banned from import into the United States
ReplyDeletehttps://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/local-media-release/cross-border-travelers-are-reminded-kinder-egg-ban
This includes tourists who are smuggling...
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/kinder-surprise-egg-removed-from-easter-townships-man-1.3514283