Does Warspite actually say "Gordon Bennett!" in the original, or is that translational liberty? Either way, it's a nice touch. :)

zgryphon said:

Does Warspite actually say "Gordon Bennett!" in the original, or is that translational liberty? Either way, it's a nice touch. :)

She says "nante koto", which literally means "what a (terrible) thing" ("terrible" being implied), but since it is almost always used as an expression of surprise(concern/disgust/etc.), it has been translated such.

Paracite's choice of "Gordon Bennett", itself a minced form of "Gor blimey/God blind me", (another expression of surprise) is particularly apropos as it also reflects Warspite's British origins.

There is not much translational liberty being involved here, as such similar "set" expressions are almost never translated literally, since doing so would unnecessarily confuse the reader and obscure the intended meaning of the speaker. It's why "arigatou" gets translated as "thank you" instead of the more literal "(such kindness) is hard to find".

NNescio said:

Paracite's choice of "Gordon Bennett", itself a minced form of "Gor blimey/God blind me", (another expression of surprise) is particularly apropos as it also reflects Warspite's British origins.

Oh, I know that part. That's why I said it was a nice touch. Reminds me pleasantly of Ace from the late-'80s Doctor Who serials. :)