Puns and Idiomatic Expressions
Puns and idiomatic expressions are quite similar between the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) script and the Nintendo Dual Screen (NDS) iteration, with some being altered or introduced to better color the linguistic patterns prevalent in this more formal “middle english” sounding tone. A few idioms present in the Japanese script were reintroduced as well, lending an air of accuracy never before achieved in the Chrono Trigger North American localization. It is also important to note that since Slattery grew up in the United States, language was influenced by an American perspective. Below are some of these notable expressions that were either retranslated or introduced into the NDS re-release of Chrono Trigger.
「バターにならない」 “not become butter,” is an expression previously used in the Japanese script from a children’s book called The Story of Little Black Sambo. In this story, two tigers run around a tree until they actually turn into butter.1 As evidenced, this expression was not introduced until the NDS script:
スペッキオ「てなぐあいに、魔法だけでなく すべてのものは、この４つのバランスで なりたってる。 『魔法が使いたい～』と ねんじながら、ドアの所からはじめて この部屋のさくにそって、時計回りに ３回まわる！ バターにならないよう、気をつける。
In this instance, “take 5 you mugs,” is replaced by “lights out, boys” — which is an idiomatic expression that means “to knock someone out”:2
ルッカ「あんた達、ジャマよ！ しばらくねむってなさい！
Instead of sticking with the North American expression, “cat got your tongue,” the NDS script attempted to work in a simile that is quite similar to the one used in the Japanese version:
ビネガー「ギョヘヘ……。 ヘビににらまれたカエルってとこだな。
Interestingly, the expression, "doh" or “d’oh,” defined as "expressing frustration at the realization that things have turned out badly or not as planned, or that one has just said or done something foolish," was added here.3 It is a misconception that this term originated from The Simpsons, however, as this cartoon only popularized the word. In fact, in the 1950s, this term was utilized extensively.3 Due to this being a younger generation though, it is clear that those who acknowledge the term will most likely remember it from The Simpsons. As such, Ozzie’s expression will be an embodiment of Homer, ultimately making this a comedic reference:
ビネガー「ちいッ！ うちどめか！
Here, Dalton refers to Schala as a “little pearl,” expressing how precious she is, and in the context of “I’d be more than happy to take her life,” this expression is meant to reflect how minuscule Schala is in relation to the events that are taking place. What is also interesting, is that “little Pearl” is the name of Hester’s illegitimate daughter in the Scarlet Letter:
ダルトン「おーっと、お前達も手を出すな。 俺は女王など少しも恐れちゃいない。 こんな子娘のクビなぞ、いつでも ハネてやるぞ！
First known to be used in the 15th century, this Middle English term “god speid,” from the phrase “God spede you” or God prosper you, expresses the wish for “a prosperous journey.”4 This especially adds a “middle english” atmosphere to the retranslation:
兵士「われら、王国騎士団一同！ みんな団長の旅のごぶじを いのっております……！！
「バターにならない」 “not become butter,” is an expression previously used in the Japanese script from a children’s book called The Story of Little Black Sambo. In this story, two tigers run around a tree until they actually turn into butter.1 As evidenced, this expression was not introduced until the NDS script:
Spekkio: All right. Starting from the door, circle clockwise along the walls of my room three times and say "I want to use magic!" over and over in your head. Don't lose track, now. Three times! Don't want you churnin' yourselves into butter.
スペッキオ「てなぐあいに、魔法だけでなく すべてのものは、この４つのバランスで なりたってる。 『魔法が使いたい～』と ねんじながら、ドアの所からはじめて この部屋のさくにそって、時計回りに ３回まわる！ バターにならないよう、気をつける。
Spekkio: Like so, it's not just magic, but all things that are made up of the balance of these four. Silently pray, "I wanna use magic," while you circle clockwise along the edge of this room three times, starting from where the door is! Careful not to turn to butter.
SPEKKIO: Not just magic, but EVERYTHING is based on the balance of these 4 powers. Think "MAGIC," and, starting from the door, walk clockwise along the walls of my room 3 times. Don't lose track, now.
In this instance, “take 5 you mugs,” is replaced by “lights out, boys” — which is an idiomatic expression that means “to knock someone out”:2
Lucca: Sorry, but you're sort of in the way. Lights out, boys!
ルッカ「あんた達、ジャマよ！ しばらくねむってなさい！
Lucca: You're in my way! Sleep for a while!
Lucca: Get outta the way!! Take 5 you mugs!
Instead of sticking with the North American expression, “cat got your tongue,” the NDS script attempted to work in a simile that is quite similar to the one used in the Japanese version:
Ozzie: Gah ha ha! Like a scared little frog with no pond to jump into!
ビネガー「ギョヘヘ……。 ヘビににらまれたカエルってとこだな。
Vinnegar: Gyo heh heh... Like a frog caught in a snake's glare.
OZZIE: Gyah, ha ha... Cat got your tongue kid?
Interestingly, the expression, "doh" or “d’oh,” defined as "expressing frustration at the realization that things have turned out badly or not as planned, or that one has just said or done something foolish," was added here.3 It is a misconception that this term originated from The Simpsons, however, as this cartoon only popularized the word. In fact, in the 1950s, this term was utilized extensively.3 Due to this being a younger generation though, it is clear that those who acknowledge the term will most likely remember it from The Simpsons. As such, Ozzie’s expression will be an embodiment of Homer, ultimately making this a comedic reference:
Ozzie: Doh! You weren't supposed to make it this far!
ビネガー「ちいッ！ うちどめか！
Vinnegar: Dammit! Is this the end!?
OZZIE: Grr... This takes the cake!
Here, Dalton refers to Schala as a “little pearl,” expressing how precious she is, and in the context of “I’d be more than happy to take her life,” this expression is meant to reflect how minuscule Schala is in relation to the events that are taking place. What is also interesting, is that “little Pearl” is the name of Hester’s illegitimate daughter in the Scarlet Letter:
Dalton: Oh, let's not be hasty! I'd be more than happy to take the life of this little pearl.
I do not fear the Queen.
ダルトン「おーっと、お前達も手を出すな。 俺は女王など少しも恐れちゃいない。 こんな子娘のクビなぞ、いつでも ハネてやるぞ！
Dalton: Whoa, don't you guys interfere either. I'm not the least bit scared of the queen or anyone. I'm ready to take the head of a little girlie like this one any time!
DALTON: Stay back. The life of this woman means nothing to me!
First known to be used in the 15th century, this Middle English term “god speid,” from the phrase “God spede you” or God prosper you, expresses the wish for “a prosperous journey.”4 This especially adds a “middle english” atmosphere to the retranslation:
Knight: On behalf of the knighthood, we wish you a safe journey and Godspeed.
兵士「われら、王国騎士団一同！ みんな団長の旅のごぶじを いのっております……！！
Soldiers: We, the Royal Knights, all of us! We are all praying for our leader's safe journey...!!
SOLDIER: We, the Knights of the Square Table, wish you a safe journey!
Works Cited:
[1] Bannerman, Helen, and Christopher H. Bing. The Story of Little Black Sambo. Brooklyn, NY: Handprint, 2003. Print.
[2] "knock someone's lights out." The Dictionary of American Slang. 06 Aug. 2015.
[3] Libaw, Oliver. "Doh! Oxford Dictionary Takes Homer Simpson." ABC News. ABC News Network, 14 June 2015. Web. 06 Aug. 2015.
[4] "Godspeed." Merriam-Webster.com. Merriam-Webster, n.d. Web. 6 Aug. 2015.