[Bern]

Not really a translation problem but a living example of two nations divided by a common language.

In 1975 I took a vaction with two friends to Florida. One of them and myself decided to quit smoking at the start of the trip.

We lasted about 3 days and we were in a bar with two girls in a hotel on Collins ave, Miami when we decided to relent.

Seeking advice, my friend asked his female companion in good British English "Do they sell fags here?"

The bartender, who we later found out was clearly aware of this English term, boomed out "You guys want fags!" which promptly got the attention of the entire bar.

To which I replied innocentlly, "Yeah, we haven't had one in three days and we're getting desperate".

After extracting the maximum amout of laughter from the situation the barman produced a pack of cigarettes and asked (loudly) "Is this what you mean?"

rgds Bern