English as She Is Spoke
What is English as She Is Spoke about?
English as She Is Spoke (1883) is one of the most celebrated works of unintentional humor in the English language. Originally published as O Novo Guia da Conversação em Português e Inglês by Pedro Carolino, who apparently spoke no English, the phrase book was created by double-translating from Portuguese to French and then from French to English, producing spectacularly garbled results. Carolino’s "Familiar Dialogues" offer conversations for situations like visiting a bookshop, riding, and fishing, rendered in English that is simultaneously incomprehensible and hilarious. His "Idiotisms and Proverbs" transform Portuguese expressions into surreal English poetry: "The stone as roll not heap up not foam" (A rolling stone gathers no moss). Mark Twain wrote the introduction to the 1883 English edition, declaring it the most entertaining book of humor he had ever read. The book has been in continuous print for over 140 years, delighting generations of readers with its creative destruction of the English language.
Main themes in English as She Is Spoke
Unintentional Humor
English as She Is Spoke thoughtfully explores unintentional humor through its central conflicts.
Translation Failure
The theme of translation failure weaves through English as She Is Spoke, adding depth to its narrative.
Language Comedy
The presence of language comedy in English as She Is Spoke connects readers to its enduring relevance.
Mark Twain Endorsement
The presence of mark twain endorsement in English as She Is Spoke connects readers to its enduring relevance.
Why English as She Is Spoke is still relevant today
English as She Is Spoke remains the gold standard for unintentional comedy and a cautionary tale about translation without comprehension. In an age of machine translation and AI-generated text, its spectacular failures feel newly relevant and entertaining.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is English as She Is Spoke?
A Portuguese-to-English phrase book so spectacularly mistranslated that it became one of the funniest books ever published. Mark Twain called it a masterpiece of humor. Read it free on TextStack.
How was this book created?
Carolino translated Portuguese phrases to French using one dictionary, then French to English using another—without knowing either language—producing hilariously garbled results.
Is English as She Is Spoke really that funny?
Yes. Over 140 years after publication, readers still find it hilarious. The gap between Carolino’s serious intent and his absurd results creates comedy that never gets old.
What did Mark Twain say about it?
Twain wrote the introduction and called it “the most fascinating book of humor ever written,” praising its unintentional comedy as superior to any deliberate attempt at humor.