There is a company called Truegrid that, for some reason, comes up on my social media feed occasionally. Who knows how these algorithms work.
I don’t know what the company does, but every time it comes up, I read it as Turgid and have a little juvenile giggle.
I know. Not admirable. Perhaps I’m dyslexic. Clearly I’m immature.
And, I am not in a position to judge a name because I named the consulting company I opened once as Acumen Online.
I ran this by a friend (not seriously though, I’d already made up my mind), and he gently said..
‘Don’t you think that is a bit of a mouthful? And does everyone know the word Acumen? And… are you sure you have it?’
Anyway, he was ignored and I ploughed on (as is my way). You don’t need any acumen to be stubborn.
And, it hasn’t been easy.
Acumen is NOT a well known word. Go figure? And then I chose to operate in Mozambique and they were like wot?
I can’t tell you the pain of explaining ROSEMARY as my first name (we all had to settle on Rosa Maria), then POTGIETER as my surname (at the time it was the surname on my passport and therefore the surname in Mozambique), To be honest, I never really got my tongue around Potgieter even. And then (good Lord), my company name as Acumen Online.
A whole lot of people just couldn’t. I barely could.
This year, I’m going to try and take advice.
Rosie take heart, inexplicable and some times unfortunate trading names abound in Africa. Here are a few I have seen during my time in Zambia :
“Get Knotted Restaurant” – I am not sure if they were advertising the romantic possibilities which might flow from dining in their fine establishment, or a warning of likely staff responses to any culinary requests deemed onerous;
“Tears of an Orphan Primary School” – a happy place for little learners I am sure;
“U FUK Construction” – once again I am sure a reference to the service levels you may expect;
And then, in our socially correct, and politically sensitive world, the most unfortunate “K…r Driving School” whose cars so emblazoned plied the streets of Lusaka for may years, and indeed may still be out there. I can only assume it was a message that non believing, infidel, learner drivers were welcome.
Hysterical Tim! I do feel better. Thank you
I too have a juvenile giggle EVERY time I see the signage for SHOPFITTERS.
Every.Single.Time I read it as shoplifters.
Ha, ha.
Rosie I hope you ok. Missing your messages.
Lots of love
How very kind and encouraging Karen. Thank you. I am well and need to get writing. Thank you so much 😊