The “Nothing” and “Nothing” Incident – Pepsi Ad Campaign in Taiwan
Context: Pepsi launched a marketing campaign in Taiwan with the slogan “Come alive with Pepsi!” in the 1960s.
Translation Error: The slogan was translated into Chinese as “Pepsi brings your ancestors back from the dead.” This blunder offended and confused the local population, especially in a culture with strong reverence for ancestors.
Outcome: The campaign was a disaster in Taiwan. While not a political or diplomatic catastrophe, this translation error damaged Pepsi’s brand image in the region and highlighted how translation mistakes in marketing can alienate entire markets.
