cc in nyc Jan 20, 2011:

critic's choice? Maybe???

MatthewLaSon Jan 20, 2011:

Thank you for comment, Joseph, but I assume this is referring to a fashion catalogue; and in that case, such a literally translated title would seem quite awkward in English, even incomprehensible ("words"?). In French, it is not awkward, however, because it's based on a well-known Paris Match slogan.

Joseph Jeffries (X) Jan 20, 2011:

Matthew - it's very easy to be creative when the meaning and context behind the title is crystal clear. But it's not, so we can only work with what we've got. I'd sooner stick with 'words' than risk missing the point completely.

MatthewLaSon Jan 20, 2011:

Why is everyone insisting on translating "mots" by "words"? That sounds so awkward in English (highly doubt that is what we'd say in a title for a fashion catalogue in English).

I was thinking that word "words" (lol) was referring to specific words like "names" (designer labels), imho.

The French isn't being as specific as we'd need to be in English; and some of that is because it's being adapted from the original motto used by Paris Match, which is "le poids des mots, le choc des photos". But the anglophone world wouldn't understand a literal adaption from Paris Match's slogan . So, I'm afraid, we cannot be as literal (with "colors" less so, though).

MatthewLaSon Jan 12, 2011:

Do they mean writing on the clothing, or perhaps the designer label? I just don't get what "poids des mots" is all about here.

Bourth (X) Jan 12, 2011:

More context? What has mots got to do with clothing? Are these items plastered with funny English, like so much clothing? Do they also have polka dots (pois)?

polyglot45 Jan 12, 2011:

was the Paris Match slogan ever translated into English ? I doubt it !
The only similar expression that comes to mind is "one photo is worth a thousand words"

philgoddard Jan 12, 2011:

This is not enough context. And what thoughts have YOU had?