“English as she is spoke”

In 1883 (eighteen eighty three) Pedro Carolino published a Portuguese - English phrase book, using an earlier Portuguese – French book as a model. Unfortunately his English was poor and he resorted to making literal translations of Portuguese phrases. The book has been a success, but not for the reasons he intended. It is now regarded as a fine example of unintended humour with gems such as:

• Keep the chestnut of the fire with the cat foot.
• At some thing the misforte is good.
• Tell me whom thou frequent, I will tell you which you are.
• Of the hand to mouth, one lose often the soup.
• To look for a needle in a hay bundle.
• The stone as roll not heap up not foam.
• It is better be single as a bad company.

The original title “O Novo Guia de Conversação, em Portuguez e Inglez, em Duas Partes” is more commonly known as “English as she is spoke”.