Aug 302002
It might be wise for companies to consult a historian before naming new products. (Not to mention a linguist: remember how big the Chevy “Nova” went over in Mexico?) Calling a sneaker Zyklon really isn’t too bright. Nonetheless the Jewish organizations, predictably aghast, could put a sock in it once in a while. Or maybe they really believe that Umbro intended to cash in on gas-chamber chic.
Update: I am informed in the comments that I have fallen victim to an urban legend about the Chevy Nova. My thanks to my alert readers. It won’t happen again. Until it does.
Please check the following URL for the
real lowdown on the Chevy Nova in Mexico tale
http://www.snopes.com/business/misxlate/nova.htm
Thanks. I’ve posted the link out front because I like all of my humiliations to be as public as possible.