Mock Couture

[muckefuck]

There's a fancy new Target opening near us, soon to be the social nexus of an ever-gaying neighbourhood. Naturally, I find it hard to call it anything other than "Tar-ZHAY".

This got my thinking of other snarky names for middlebrow or downmarket retailers. Growing up, we also had "ven-TOO-ray" (as if Italian rather than French) and "the famous French designer" Jean-Charles Penné. In the realm of fine eateries, there were Château Blanc and Lhardy (obviously--like the one in Madrid--a branch of the famous 19th-century Parisian restaurant).

Since such chains are--or at least were--often very localised, y'all doubtless have your own prestigious names. Care to share?

Comments

[kayiwa.livejournal.com]

Strange because I always called it Jean-Claude Penné.

Is this certain?

[kayiwa.livejournal.com]

I thought the gaybourhood "Tar-Zhay" plans were nixed following the City of Chicago's recent Big Box ordinance? No I can't remember where I saw or heard that either. :-(

[muckefuck.livejournal.com]

I was actually referring to the new store on Peterson, which is already open. I didn't even realise (until you made me look) that there was a Target mooted for the Wilson Yards development.

[kayiwa.livejournal.com]

Oh yeah! We've been to the one on Peterson (which I will claim :-))

[gopower.livejournal.com]

If it's not on the redline or in easy walking distance, it doesn't count as in the neighborhood in my book. Though I guess 1.5 miles (from me, 2+ from you) isn't so far...

I was looking forward to the Wilson store, but it looks like they haven't even started construction (and thanks the the esteemed city council, who knows if they ever will).

in my area...

[thesilia.livejournal.com]

it was "Jacques Penné" and Tar-zhay. Sometimes, that's rendered as Tar-GAY lately and then there's Homo Depot (so called for the large number of lesbians who seems to work there). I think that's it.

[muckefuck.livejournal.com]

Names like "Homo Depot" (or our favourite, "Home Despot") fall into a broader class of snarky names, such as ones that target a retailer's priceyness (like "Whole Paycheck" for Whole Foods or "Plastic Frontenc" for Plaza Frontenac, the most chi-chi mall in St. Louis County). A strict parallel to what I had in mind would be a deformation like "Homme Dépôt" (pronounced awm-day-POE).

[bunj.livejournal.com]

Don't forget the always popular Needless Markup, which is the first snarky name I ever remember using.

[fainic-thu-fein.livejournal.com]

Howdy. Just wanted to let you know I've added you. I always enjoy reading your comments in linguaphiles and thought I might enjoy your personal journal, too.

[muckefuck.livejournal.com]

Tapadh leat! Here's hoping I don't disappoint.

[sconstant.livejournal.com]

I just had someone serve me Cristal, which turned out not to be champagne or similar, but rather Crystal Light, and I thought of this.

[keyne.livejournal.com]

I always thought of "Mickey D's" as a more upscale alias. :)