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.

  2 Responses to “Zyklon C-”

  1. Please check the following URL for the
    real lowdown on the Chevy Nova in Mexico tale

    http://www.snopes.com/business/misxlate/nova.htm

  2. Thanks. I’ve posted the link out front because I like all of my humiliations to be as public as possible.

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