Nov 22, 2011 11:11
12 yrs ago
2 viewers *
English term
United Kingdom
left of center
English
Marketing
Advertising / Public Relations
I am translating the voice-over for a promotional video about a Caribbean island. They play a lot with opposites ("far away, yet so close", "within easy reach, yet beyond expectations"). Other than that it is your typical promotional video showing of a Caribbean island paradise.
The bit I am having problems with is the following:
Voice-over: "Left of center, but just right" (with a slight gap after the word "left")
The text "left of center" is spoken over images of a woman receiving a massage (left shoulder being massaged). The video then cuts to a couple enjoying the beach and sea and the words "but just right" are spoken.
I find this "left of center" very strange in this context. One interpretation might be that this the kind of thing you might say to your masseur to help him find the right spot when giving you a massage. But I would expect there to be some second meaning. Obviously, there is the meaning of left-wing politics, but that doesn't seem to fit the context at all.
My question:
I am wondering if there might be some other allusion which I fail to see. Am I missing something here?
The bit I am having problems with is the following:
Voice-over: "Left of center, but just right" (with a slight gap after the word "left")
The text "left of center" is spoken over images of a woman receiving a massage (left shoulder being massaged). The video then cuts to a couple enjoying the beach and sea and the words "but just right" are spoken.
I find this "left of center" very strange in this context. One interpretation might be that this the kind of thing you might say to your masseur to help him find the right spot when giving you a massage. But I would expect there to be some second meaning. Obviously, there is the meaning of left-wing politics, but that doesn't seem to fit the context at all.
My question:
I am wondering if there might be some other allusion which I fail to see. Am I missing something here?
Responses
| 4 +6 | Slightly out of the ordinary (but in a good way) |
Mark Nathan
|
Responses
+6
6 mins
Selected
Slightly out of the ordinary (but in a good way)
There is the obvious massage reference - "left a bit... yes there... just right" but also left of centre as in "not in the mainstream", "a little unusual".
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Note added at 24 mins (2011-11-22 11:35:40 GMT)
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Unless it's a recruitment video showing what life will be like once you have joined the People's Liberation Movement, or some such organizarion...
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Note added at 24 mins (2011-11-22 11:35:40 GMT)
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Unless it's a recruitment video showing what life will be like once you have joined the People's Liberation Movement, or some such organizarion...
Note from asker:
| Makes sense. Thanks, Mark. I wasn't aware of this meaning. |
Peer comment(s):
| agree |
Liz Dexter (was Broomfield)
: Yup, I agree, although it is a bit odd! Maybe a socialist paradise? (Only joking)
8 mins
|
| agree |
Jenni Lukac (X)
: Socialist paradises are on the wane. No worries, life is still a beach for those who can afford it!
11 mins
|
| agree |
Michael Wise
: might be an alternative of "left field" which has the same "out of the ordinary" meaning.
33 mins
|
| agree |
Simon Mac
1 hr
|
| agree |
Charles Davis
2 hrs
|
| agree |
Aline Mercuri
6 hrs
|
4 KudoZ points awarded for this answer.
Discussion
Brigitte: I think "off the beaten track" is just what they're trying to imply, with connotations of having the discrimination to go where most people don't go (and thereby avoid the crowds, moreover!).
"Just an idea
Mark's explanation is new to me but it does make sense to me. Reading "left of center" makes me think of "off the beaten track" which might be suitable [in its translated form] if the place in question is not on common tourist routes. In the sense of remote but just right."
"If you want me you can find me
Left of center off of the strip
In the outskirts and in the fringes
In the corner out of the grip."
Here it is if you want to hear it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHNBozMNCIw
I think this tends to confirm what Mark has said.
Needless to say, the association of "left" with the minority, the suspect, the marginal is at least as old as the etymology of "sinister".
There's also the American phrase "out of left field" meaning "unexpected" or "unrelated to the matter in hand": not necessarily relevant here, but I throw it in the pot for what it's worth.
A large part of the effect of this phrase comes from the wordplay on "right", of course.