MovieChat Forums > Diff'rent Strokes (1978) Discussion > Weird Alternative Titles(By Country)

Weird Alternative Titles(By Country)

posted 10 years ago by shaunatate-15-369625
17 replies | jump to latest

Can someone explain the reasoning behind the Israeli alternate title for "Dif'frent Stokes".

For some reason it's called "About Taste And Smell)?

Could it be a possible "lost in translation" issue? For example, the saying "different strokes" is an American idiom which means: "just because I like something doesn't mean anyone else has to". Another explanation could be: there may be a scenario works for me, but may not be suitable for others"(i.e. I choose to ride my bicycle to work instead of driving. But biking may not be suitable for most commuters who reside many miles away, while I live only 4 blocks away).

[–] megafauna005 10 years ago

LOL..that's hilarious!

Jesus NEVER existed! He is Judeo Christian MYTH!

[–] Wilde_child 9 years ago

Here in Brazil it is known as "Arnold".
Weird LOL.

[–] isaacjamil 9 years ago

How is that weird?

[–] Moonglum9 (10709) 4 years ago

It's so weird, I'm just agog!

[–] mistersparkle 9 years ago

For example, the saying "different strokes" is an American idiom which means: "just because I like something doesn't mean anyone else has to". Another explanation could be: there may be a scenario works for me, but may not be suitable for others"

You might even say "what might be right for you, may not be right for some"...
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[–] thebigmouth 9 years ago

For some reason it's called "About Taste And Smell"

It's a reference to the subjectivity of taste and smell. In other words, different strokes for different folks.

TV: http://ihatemydvr.blogspot.com
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[–] jefgg 9 years ago

In pre-production, the original proposed title was "45 Minutes From Harlem". The title "Diff'rent Strokes" was inspired by the 1968 hit song "Everyday People" by Sly and the Family Stone. The song included the lyric "different strokes for different folks", which became a popular catchphrase.

In many Spanish speaking countries the title of the show is "Blanco y Negro" (White and Black). The following are some more international titles:

Spain - Arnold
France - Arnold et Willy (Arnold and Willy)
Venezuela - Arnold el travieso (Arnold the Mischievous One)
Italy - Harlem contro Manhattan (Harlem v. Manhattan) 1980–81, Il mio Amico Arnold (My Friend Arnold) 1981–1986, Arnold after 1988
Brazil - Minha Família é uma Bagunça (My Family is a Mess) 2006–2007, Arnold 2009–2012
Japan - Anorudo boya wa ninkimono (Little Boy Arnold is Popular)
Taiwan - Little Rascal
Germany - Noch Fragen Arnold? (Any More Questions Arnold?)

[–] megafauna005 9 years ago

Wow! Never knew it was originally called "45 minutes from Harlem".

Jesus NEVER existed! He is Judeo Christian MYTH!

[–] jefgg 9 years ago

I think Philip Drummond's home penthouse suite was much closer than 45 minutes to Harlem. His penthouse suite was at 697 Park Avenue in Manhattan. I don't know exactly where the boys had resided in Harlem. But according to mapquest it is approximately four miles and fifteen minutes away. It might be even closer by subway. But even though Harlem and Park Avenue are geographically close they are worlds apart.

[–] moonglum9 9 years ago

In many Spanish speaking countries the title of the show is "Blanco y Negro" (White and Black). The following are some more international titles:

Spain - Arnold
France - Arnold et Willy (Arnold and Willy)
Venezuela - Arnold el travieso (Arnold the Mischievous One)
Italy - Harlem contro Manhattan (Harlem v. Manhattan) 1980–81, Il mio Amico Arnold (My Friend Arnold) 1981–1986, Arnold after 1988
Brazil - Minha Família é uma Bagunça (My Family is a Mess) 2006–2007, Arnold 2009–2012
Japan - Anorudo boya wa ninkimono (Little Boy Arnold is Popular)
Taiwan - Little Rascal
Germany - Noch Fragen Arnold? (Any More Questions Arnold?)

There are quite a few others that I found but only know the English translations though, not the actual title in the other language:

China - Lazy Americans are Doomed
Russia - Look at Those Weaklings
Ireland - Wee Brown Leppercorns
The Netherlands - Duuuuuuude! What's Going On?
Romania - Old Man Phil, the Child Molester
Afghanistan - Beware, Infidels!
Norway - Turn off TV, Is Time to Go to Discotheque
Argentina - Everybody's Dead but Willis (And He Just Got Really Lucky)

Here are a couple in the country's language that I don't know the English translations for:

Mexico - Los Hijos de Felipe Despues del Fuego
Kenya - Pop-click-tik-tik-tik

[–] mistersparkle 9 years ago

Japan - Anorudo boya wa ninkimono (Little Boy Arnold is Popular)

Oh Japan, never change, you are the best.
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You have many question, Mr Sparkle. I send you premium -- answer question, hundred percent!

[–] crypticanomaly73 8 years ago

Germany - Noch Fragen Arnold? (Any More Questions Arnold?)

I love this one, so literal and funny all at once. Obviously chosen due to his catchphrase "What cha talkin' about?" the kid asked a lot of questions lol

Sometimes a movie or tv show plot is so stupid that only the stupid can understand it.

[–] Moonglum9 (10709) 5 years ago

Nope, he only had one question

[–] csgro20-640-604183 8 years ago

Most shows and movies have altered titles, usually the reason is that there is already some shows and movies that have a similar title(s). Other reasons included not to be related to an event or a disaster. Some titles are changed to reflect the cast or characters who is/ are very popular.

[–] Moonglum9 (10709) 7 years ago

Wushu tawkin bout, Wiwwis?