Fook Yuen – Funny Restaurant Name!

Published by Anthony Bianco - The Travel Tart on

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Okay, it’s one of those names that mean pretty much nothing in the native tongue, but sometimes when heard by someone who speaks another language, sounds a little bit strange, or sometimes offensive!

Some examples that I’ve featured here previously include:

But that’s okay. I’m sure we’ve all said something that sounds innocent to us, but means something a bit odd to someone else.

For example, kiss her in English sounds like kissa in Swedish, which means piss. Lull in English (i.e. a downturn) sounds like lul in Dutch, which means male genitals. And cookie in English, sounds like koki in Hungarian, which means small penis.

So today, this funny travel photo continues this theme, which is the name of a cafe and bakery shop in Malaysia….

Fook Yuen!

Fook Yuen Restaurant

Say it out loud and you’ll figure out what I mean!

Just like the Fook Yew Hotel, also in Malaysia, it sounds like you’re saying a swear word (see my comprehensive lists of British Slang or Australian Slang), but in reality, you’re just in a ‘fragrant garden’. Something quite nice and peaceful.

So while the Malaysian locals are probably enjoying some great food and coffee, us English speakers are having a little giggle, but it wouldn’t stop me from dining there if it was a good establishment!

So, I mean this in the nicest possible way, Fook Yuen and have a good time!


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Avatar Of Anthony Bianco - The Travel Tart

Anthony Bianco - The Travel Tart

The Travel Tart is an Australian Travel Blogger and Writer who dribbles on about the funny, offbeat and weird aspects of world travel today. Travel wasn't meant to be taken too seriously! Strangely enough, he's appeared in reputable publications like USA Today, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, and is a member of the Australian Society of Travel Writers. Check out his Travel Blog, silly Travel Articles and social media profiles to say hi using some Australian Slang or sign up for his silly newsletter!

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