Foreign Phrases with a Twist

Winners of a New York Magazine contest who were asked to take a well known expression in a foreign language, change a single letter and provide a definition for the new expression:

  • Rigor Morris:
    The cat is dead.
  • Respondez S’il Vois Plaid:
    Honk if you’re Scottish
  • Harlez-vous Francais?:
    Can you drive a French motorcycle?
  • Veni, Vipi, Vici:
    I came, I’m a very important person, I conquered
  • Veni, Vidi, Visa:
    I came, I saw, I shopped.
  • Cogito Eggo Sum:
    I think, therefore I am … a waffle
  • Que Sera Serf:
    Life is feudal
  • Leroi est Mort. Jive Leroi:
    The king is dead. No kidding
  • Post Mortem:
    Death styles of the rich and famous
  • Pro Bozo Publico:
    Support your local clown
  • Monage a Trois:
    I am three years old
  • Haste Cuisine:
    Fast French food
  • Quip Pro Quo:
    A fast retort
  • Aloha Oy:
    Love; greetings; farewell; and from such a pain you should never know
  • Mazel Ton:
    Tons of luck
  • Visa la France:
    Don’t leave your chateau without it
  • Carne Diem:
    Seize the meat