Magnum Season 5 - qs from a Swedish translator

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Katarina · #1 Post by **Katarina** » Thu Mar 19, 2009 4:36 pm

Hello, would it be possible to ask a few questions about some episodes from Season 5? The script isn't totally reliable, and then there are some lines I simply don't understand.

Tia, Katarina

#2 Post by **Doc Ibold** » Thu Mar 19, 2009 5:03 pm

Go for it!

Katarina · #3 Post by **Katarina** » Thu Mar 19, 2009 5:16 pm

Thank you! In the episode about Tran Quoc, the boy talks about a "Tai Chi tough" at 08:14, according to the script. Does he really say that and what does it mean?

And the phrase "Stuff it, Scrungo" in the beginning of "Luther Gillis"... What does it refer to?

Tia yet again, Katarina

#4 Post by **Doc Ibold** » Thu Mar 19, 2009 6:12 pm

Katarina wrote:Thank you! In the episode about Tran Quoc, the boy talks about a "Tai Chi tough" at 08:14, according to the script. Does he really say that and what does it mean?

And the phrase "Stuff it, Scrungo" in the beginning of "Luther Gillis"... What does it refer to?

Tia yet again, Katarina

Hey Katarina.... Not sure about him ever saying "Tai Chi tough". I do know that Tran Quoc is practicing Tai Chi at the estate when Magnum comes back and tries to hide him from Higgins. There is something about a statue of a round little man who guards your door... maybe thats what you're referring to?

As for "Stuff it Scrungo"... "Scrungo" is Luther's pet name for the disheveled man in the cell next to him and Magnum. Telling someone to "Stuff It" is like telling them to be quiet or shut up.

What else can I help you with?

Katarina · #5 Post by **Katarina** » Thu Mar 19, 2009 6:26 pm

Thank you, Dr Ibold!

Tran Quoc mentions a "Tai Chi tough" who was at their orphanage and who Tran tried to be friends with.

I have no more qs at the moment but I will be back, rest assure. Thanks again!

Regards, Katarina

golfmobile · #6 Post by **golfmobile** » Fri Mar 20, 2009 2:06 pm

Katarina,

My guess for the "Tai Chi tough" is that Tran is referring to a kid (young person) who knows Tai Chi and is a "tough" (could indicate cruel or mean or just that he can really take care of himself in any situation and overcome any physical threats) guy. In this case, I think it would be similar to calling someone a "thug" but identifying him further as being knowledgeable about Tai Chi, which could significantly contribute to why he is tough. My impression is that Tran was not complimenting the kid but implying he was a bully who intimidated and picked on other kids with his Tai Chi skills.

That's just my interpretation.

As for "Scrungo," "scrungy" means scruffy, dirty, messy, smelly, so saying "stuff it, scrungo" would be like saying, "Be quiet, dirty-smelly-stinky guy."

golf

Katarina · #7 Post by **Katarina** » Fri Mar 20, 2009 5:37 pm

Thank you for your explanations, mrs Golfmobile! Much appreciated.

I have one more thing to ask about (Ep Luther Gillis). Luther G says about Warren Brummer (who worked as a watchman at the docks): "I think he was working for scale." Then he laughs. Does he mean scale as in those on a fish?

Kindest, Katarina

golfmobile · #8 Post by **golfmobile** » Fri Mar 20, 2009 5:48 pm

That's a term for a level of pay, most probably "union scale" which is what labor union members in certain job categories would get, depending on the union contract. I don't recall the reference in that episode but depending on the context, it could mean ridiculously low or ridiculously high. A lot of union jobs THESE days are way overpaid (including benefits) (a contributing cause to American car makers' going bankrupt). Back in the 1980s, that might not have been the case for dockworkers, who are usually unionized. And, again, depending on the context, the pay union members receive is usually hourly, so the longer it takes to do a job, the more pay they would receive -- more hours = more money -- so some workers might drag their feet a little bit in getting a job accomplished.

Does that make sense for you?

I find your questions very interesting, because we in America apparently use so much slang and we all understand it without thinking about it much. It's interesting to learn what "sticks out" to confuse non-English (or should I say, "non-American") speakers.

golf

Katarina · #9 Post by **Katarina** » Fri Mar 20, 2009 6:14 pm

Again, thank you for your prompt answer and a long and interesting explanation!

I think though Gillis uses the word here both in reference to what you said and fish. His sense of humour is somewhat...lame.

I still have two episodes to translate and I hope I can turn to you again, should any qs appear.

Kind regards, Katarina

golfmobile · #10 Post by **golfmobile** » Fri Mar 20, 2009 6:25 pm

You're right, he was probably making a pun (play on words). I'm sure lots of folks here will be happy to help with interpretations!

golf

#11 Post by **Doc Ibold** » Fri Mar 20, 2009 11:05 pm

golfmobile wrote:You're right, he was probably making a pun (play on words). I'm sure lots of folks here will be happy to help with interpretations!

golf

Yup, I personally find it very interesting!