\"ласточка\" - a tender treatment of one\'s car

English translation: baby

13:35 Jan 14, 2017
Russian to English translations [PRO]
Idioms / Maxims / Sayings / nicknames
Russian term or phrase: \"ласточка\" - a tender treatment of one\'s car
People who drive for a living (taxi drivers, delivery workers, etc.) are often fond of their cars and give them affectionate names. These names can stem from the car brand or model (such as a Beetle for Volkswagen Type 1). However, I'm looking for a more general name that can be given to any car. The name should show how the driver cares for its car.

In Russian, a typical name for a car that you can hear from taxi drivers is ласточка (literally, a swallow).

An example usage:

-- Hey, I'm running late for the train, can you take me to the station?
-- Sure, my [affectionate car name here] will take you there in no time.
Natalia Cesar de Sa
Portugal
Local time: 17:57
English translation:baby
Explanation:
A lot of people refer to their car as "my baby", "Sure, I can give you a ride. Me and my baby will help you out". This is a name that wouldn't seem out of place if it was spoken by a taxi-driver or a teenage driver or even a hip mom talking about her mini-van.

Here's a link to a list of a few common car names: http://www.theaa.com/newsroom/news-2014/most-popular-car-nam...
Selected response from:

Rachel Baird
United States
Local time: 11:57
Grading comment
4 KudoZ points were awarded for this answer



Summary of answers provided
3 +4baby
Rachel Baird
5beauty
Allison Keating
3my pony
Frank Szmulowicz, Ph. D.


Discussion entries: 5





  

Answers


1 hr   confidence: Answerer confidence 3/5Answerer confidence 3/5 peer agreement (net): +4
baby


Explanation:
A lot of people refer to their car as "my baby", "Sure, I can give you a ride. Me and my baby will help you out". This is a name that wouldn't seem out of place if it was spoken by a taxi-driver or a teenage driver or even a hip mom talking about her mini-van.

Here's a link to a list of a few common car names: http://www.theaa.com/newsroom/news-2014/most-popular-car-nam...

Rachel Baird
United States
Local time: 11:57
Meets criteria
Native speaker of: Native in EnglishEnglish
PRO pts in category: 4

Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
agree  El oso
36 mins
  -> many thanks!

agree  LilianNekipelov
1 hr
  -> thank you!

agree  Nathalie Stewart
1 hr
  -> thanks!

agree  Oleksiy Markunin
3 hrs
  -> Thank you!
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15 mins   confidence: Answerer confidence 3/5Answerer confidence 3/5
my pony


Explanation:
The name I use for my car. She usually responds with equal affection; however, she is quite demanding, requires a lot of attention, and does not like when I look at other cars.

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Note added at 33 mins (2017-01-14 14:09:28 GMT)
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buggy/jalopy/bucket of bolts//rust bucket/grocery-getter
It depends on how you feel about your car at the moment.

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Note added at 52 mins (2017-01-14 14:27:35 GMT)
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ccccccccccc
Another universal name is my ride. You may remember the show "Pimp My Ride."
Pimp My Ride was an American television series produced by MTV and hosted by rapper Xzibit. Each episode consists of taking one car in poor condition and restoring it, as well as customizing it.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pimp_My_Ride

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Note added at 53 mins (2017-01-14 14:29:29 GMT)
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Lexical Item or Phrase: hittin' the juice in my ride
Meaning: refers to simply pressing down the gas pedal. also can refer to turning on your hydraulics. my ride refers to my car.
http://slang.uoregon.edu/pub_search.lasso?RecordIDNumber=139...

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Note added at 4 hrs (2017-01-14 18:04:50 GMT)
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By popular demand, a four-wheeled goddess.

Frank Szmulowicz, Ph. D.
United States
Local time: 13:57
Meets criteria
Works in field
Native speaker of: Native in EnglishEnglish, Native in PolishPolish
PRO pts in category: 22

Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
neutral  El oso: You are missing the point. 'Ласточка' implies the kind of affection one usually has for one's dearest and most trusted friend. It's almost as if there's an intimate bond between the driver and his car.Wouldyou refer to your wife or girlfriend as a 'pony'?
1 hr
  -> Perhaps not, but we are translating across languages and cultures. New York cabbies are more mucho about their taxis. Re my wife: Nothing short of "a four-wheeled goddess" will suffice.
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6 hrs   confidence: Answerer confidence 5/5
beauty


Explanation:
This is another common affectionate (pet) name for a car. Actually, any of the above-mentioned suggestions work. It's a really matter of choice.


    Reference: http://www.wheels24.co.za/News/General_News/Top-pet-names-fo...
Allison Keating
Canada
Local time: 10:57
Meets criteria
Native speaker of: English
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