English What Now? is an ongoing series based around the humorous, head-scratching, or just plain amusing English found around Thailand observed and written by Teresa Derr.
I am, in general, a frugal person. I don’t tend to buy a lot of stuff, preferring to invest in experiences. But that doesn’t mean I don’t love going shopping! Seeing cute things for sale still brings me joy, and the feeling of finding something out of the blue that you know will make a perfect gift for someone is one I love to chase. And my favorite stores to find are ones that have fun, interesting names (and decor). That hasn’t changed here in Thailand! Here are some stores I’ve seen with interesting names, for better or for worse:
This very bold, somewhat threatening barber shop caught my attention in my city a while ago. It is, indeed, a shop for your hair… thankfully not a shop made of your hair! I have never gone in, so I don’t know if the person cutting hair in this shop is indeed named May, but the first time I read it, I thought it was saying you had to get a haircut before May (the month). Or Else.
This one is just a delightfully empowering name, however you choose to take it! Whether you’re choosing to focus on self-care by treating yourself to a manicure or pedicure, or you need to get your nails done before meeting up with your man so he knows you’re fabulous, this looks like the place to go!
I found this spot in Bangkok while it just so happened that I was on my way to get dinner with my good friend and fellow volunteer, Grace (pictured here). I don’t really know what an aesthetic clinic does, to be honest. Gives makeup tips? Advises on your fashion sense? Offers home improvement suggestions? Teaches how to move gracefully? Whatever it sells, I don’t think Grace needs to buy, since she is already glowing and has a wonderful aesthetic! But if you’re looking for some improved aesthetic, you can check it out!
This sign baffled me (likely just as much as I baffled Yoyo and her counterpart by jumping out of the car to take a picture of it – Thanks for putting up with me!) It is indeed a yellow sign, but neither pizza nor sushi is generally considered to be yellow? Also, it looks like it’s above a bus stop, not a store selling food (any food, let alone Italian or Japanese food). But what really sold it for me was the tiny smiley face on the (equally yellow) triangular sign underneath. Whatever this sign is here for, it made my day.
¯\_(ツ)_/¯ ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Have you seen any store names that made you wonder what they’re selling or made you laugh? Don’t forget to share them with me so I can feature them in an article!
Sticky Rice 