Ok, so this is along the same lines as my last post but is anyone having a hard time dealing with this new phenomenon (or maybe not SO new) in which companies all over New England (and in some cases, around the country) are embracing the Boston accent?
Someone recently told me a story in which a young girl was convinced that “chowder” was actually spelled “chowdah” because that was the only way she had ever (evah?) seen it written. And I don’t doubt that. Here’s why…
-Across MA the word “chowdah” or “chowda” shows up on numerous menus and even in company names! Best example: “The Boston Chowda Company”
-The Bostonville Grill (ironically located in Lynnfield) serves “soups, chowdah and chili” and, the equally terrible, “Kraveable Kids Kuisine.” (Purposely misspelling words to create alliteration in your company name is a whole separate issue. Kids aren’t smart enough to realize that you’re trying to be all cute and creative. Heck, some adults aren’t even smart enough! Most likely, kids will read your menu and believe that “crave” and “cuisine” are supposed to be spelled with a “k” not a “c.” They will subsequently fail all of their spelling tests thus destroying their self-esteem all because of your company. Not to mention, is "craveable" even a word? Seriously, are we encouraging our kids to grow up stupid?)
-An online company, www.chowdaheadz.com, sells “wicked pissah stuff” including t-shirts that say “Green Monstah.”
-I recently ate some “Gummy Lobstahs” from L.L. Bean (delicious, despite the name).
-I even found restaurants in Georgia and Florida called the “Monstah Lobstah” that serve “N.E. clam chowdah” and “lobstah.” Go figure.
Do Bostonians really like this? Do they find it funny? Do tourists find it funny? In my opinion, it’s just plain unprofessional. There’s a difference between having pride in where you’re from and simply looking like an uneducated moron. I know the accent slips out in conversation, but can we please stop spelling “er” words with “ah” or “a” ON PURPOSE, especially in business?
Someone recently told me a story in which a young girl was convinced that “chowder” was actually spelled “chowdah” because that was the only way she had ever (evah?) seen it written. And I don’t doubt that. Here’s why…
-Across MA the word “chowdah” or “chowda” shows up on numerous menus and even in company names! Best example: “The Boston Chowda Company”
-The Bostonville Grill (ironically located in Lynnfield) serves “soups, chowdah and chili” and, the equally terrible, “Kraveable Kids Kuisine.” (Purposely misspelling words to create alliteration in your company name is a whole separate issue. Kids aren’t smart enough to realize that you’re trying to be all cute and creative. Heck, some adults aren’t even smart enough! Most likely, kids will read your menu and believe that “crave” and “cuisine” are supposed to be spelled with a “k” not a “c.” They will subsequently fail all of their spelling tests thus destroying their self-esteem all because of your company. Not to mention, is "craveable" even a word? Seriously, are we encouraging our kids to grow up stupid?)
-An online company, www.chowdaheadz.com, sells “wicked pissah stuff” including t-shirts that say “Green Monstah.”
-I recently ate some “Gummy Lobstahs” from L.L. Bean (delicious, despite the name).
-I even found restaurants in Georgia and Florida called the “Monstah Lobstah” that serve “N.E. clam chowdah” and “lobstah.” Go figure.
Do Bostonians really like this? Do they find it funny? Do tourists find it funny? In my opinion, it’s just plain unprofessional. There’s a difference between having pride in where you’re from and simply looking like an uneducated moron. I know the accent slips out in conversation, but can we please stop spelling “er” words with “ah” or “a” ON PURPOSE, especially in business?
1 comment:
Well, when you have a name like mine and live in MA I have come to the realization that I will never be Amber again...but I do miss being Ambah Bakah!!
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