Americanisms check

[telophase]

Americans: "Foreign auto dealer" vs. "imported auto dealer"? Context: a status-conscious person. How would he describe himself?

In my normal usage, I'd usually see and use "foreign car dealer," but I'm wondering if "imported" would be more oofy-sounding. I'm fairly sure that "autos" sounds higher status, at least for a social climber, than "cars."

Comments

[thistleingrey]

Where and when? Now? Here (metro CA) I'd expect "imported," but I remember "foreign" from childhood. Agree re: autos.

[telophase]

Contemporary. Setting is actually Japan, but as I'm localizing the book, it needs to signal to a typical American reader that this guy is status-conscious. (well, if his Armani suits hadn't done that already. XD)

[thistleingrey]

I rather agree with fourthage's comment, FWIW.

[telophase]

Alas, the translated text I am editing does not list brand names of cars, and I do not feel that I should be adding data that the original author did not put in, if that makes sense.

[thistleingrey]

Makes sense--I didn't catch that in your post, sorry.

[telophase]

I'd forgotten to put it in, so several people (rightly!) pointed out that naming the makes of cars would be better.

I don't know why the author didn't put it in, as s/he had no problem putting in clothing brands. Especially Armani. :/

[fourthage]

My feeling is that the person would specify the country. A status-conscious person would probably have specific models in mind as "impressive" cars, and would name the country of origin to flaunt as much as possible.

[telophase]

Alas, the translated text I am editing does not list brand names of cars, and I do not feel that I should be adding data that the original author did not put in, if that makes sense.

[houseboatonstyx.livejournal.com]

Depending on context, he might be likely to use the brand name instead: "An Audi dealer" or "I deal in Audis, Porsches, and BMWs."

[telophase.livejournal.com]

I agree, however I'm localizing a Japanese novel for the Digital Manga Guild, and I don't feel that I can go that far in amending the text. :)

I really have no idea why the author didn't put in car brand names: there's plenty of clothing and alcohol brand names being slung around. :/

[inkblot14.livejournal.com]

He'd go for "Import"...stresses the 'importing vehicles overseas' aspect more than simply being a car salesman.

[telophase.livejournal.com]

Tahnks!

[madame-manga.livejournal.com]

I know this is an older post... but out here in Northern California where the great unwashed drive Japanese and Korean imports, the prestige designation is 'European'. I see a lot of Ferraris in Silicon Valley, and no drive is complete until I've been cut off or tailgated by someone in a fine German sedan. :P