Introduction: Words Have Consequences
In the world of professional translation, we often talk about “accuracy” and “quality assurance.” It can sound abstract. But history is littered with examples where a single wrong word caused diplomatic crises, financial ruin, or life-altering medical tragedies.
These stories serve as a powerful reminder: translation is not just about swapping words; it’s about conveying intent. Here are three famous examples of the high cost of getting it wrong.
The $71 Million Dollar Word: "Intoxicado"
In 1980, 18-year-old Willie Ramirez was rushed to a Florida hospital in a coma. His family, who spoke only Spanish, told the doctors that he was “intoxicado”—a term often used in Caribbean Spanish to mean “poisoned” (usually by food) or having a severe allergic reaction. The bilingual staff member (who was not a professional interpreter) translated it as “intoxicated” (drunk/high). Doctors treated him for a drug overdose. In reality, he was suffering from a brain bleed. The delay in proper treatment left Willie quadriplegic. The resulting malpractice lawsuit settled for $71 million.
- The Lesson: Never rely on “ad hoc” interpreters for medical diagnosis.
2. "We Will Bury You" (The Cold War Panic)
At the height of the Cold War, Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev gave a speech to Western ambassadors. His interpreter translated a Russian idiom as, “We will bury you!” Americans were terrified. It sounded like a direct threat of nuclear annihilation. In reality, the Russian phrase was closer to “We will outlast you” or “We will be present at your funeral”—a boast about communism outliving capitalism, not a threat to kill everyone.
- The Lesson: Idioms and cultural context are dangerous traps for literal translation.
3. Jimmy Carter’s "Lust" for Poland
On a lighter (but deeply embarrassing) note, when President Jimmy Carter visited Poland in 1977, his interpreter made a series of blunders. Instead of saying Carter had “left the United States this morning,” he translated it as Carter had “abandoned the United States” (never to return). Later, when Carter expressed his desire to learn about the Polish people’s potential for the future, the interpreter translated it as Carter having “sexual desire” for the Polish people.
- The Lesson: Even at the highest levels of government, vetting your linguist is crucial.
Conclusion: Precision is Priceless
These stories are cautionary tales. Whether you are treating a patient, negotiating a contract, or launching a marketing campaign, the cost of a professional linguist is minuscule compared to the cost of a mistake. At MHMS, we ensure your message is received exactly as you intended—no international incidents included.