branding - LingoDigest

The Billion-Dollar Word: Naming Products for the Globe

6 min read

What’s in a name? For a global brand, it could be a billion dollars. This post explores the high-stakes world of linguistic consulting, revealing the phonetic and semantic traps that can doom a product and celebrating the linguistic expertise that turns a simple word into a global success. From disastrous blunders like the Ford Pinto in Brazil to triumphs like Coca-Cola’s name in China, discover the science and art of naming products for the world.

Culture Linguistics Sociolinguistics Morphology

The Linguistics of ‘Google It’: When Brands Become Verbs

6 min read

Ever wonder how “Google” went from a company name to a common verb in our dictionary? This article explores the fascinating linguistic journey of brands that become household words, from the grammatical magic of “anthimeria” to the high-stakes risk of “genericide.” We dive into the tricky legal and linguistic tightrope companies must walk between market dominance and losing their trademark entirely.

Culture Linguistics Phonetics Linguistic Economics

Lost in the Supermarket: Brand Name Linguistics

6 min read

Why did the Chevy Nova supposedly fail in Spanish-speaking markets? This cautionary tale, though likely a myth, highlights the high-stakes world of global branding where linguistic blunders can be costly. We explore how phonetics, cultural connotations, and morphology can make or break a product’s name, turning it into either an international success or a cross-cultural joke.