Login or register (free and only takes a few minutes) to participate in this question.
You will also have access to many other tools and opportunities designed for those who have language-related jobs (or are passionate about them). Participation is free and the site has a strict confidentiality policy.
07:57 Nov 4, 2003
English to English translations [Non-PRO] Art/Literary
English term or phrase:The clown can stay, but the Ferengi in the gorilla suit has to go.
This is the punch line of a joke. I don't understand the joke. No other context.
Explanation: I've found the script, if it's any help. I'll get the link. Here is the bit with your punchline:
********************************
La Forge continues to scan. Suddenly Data lets out a quiet giggle.
La Forge stops and turns to look at him. Data giggles louder.
DATA
(laughing, to himself)
I get it. I get it.
LA FORGE
You get what?
Data laughs again.
DATA
When you said to Commander Riker (imitating La Forge's voice) "The
clown can stay, but the Ferengi in the gorilla suit has to go."
La Forge looks blankly at him for a moment.
LA FORGE
What?
DATA
During the Farpoint mission. We were on the Bridge and you told a
joke. That was the punchline.
LA FORGE
The Farpoint mission? Data, that was seven years ago.
DATA
I know. I just got it. (laughs) It was very funny.
LA FORGE
Thanks.
************************************
So, there is no joke available (unless ir really existed in another film, and this is like an ongoing 'in-joke').
What the line means, is 'we'll keep the clown, but the Ferengi in the gorilla suit really has to go'
(Keep/lose with often used...Keep the diamond earrings, but definitely lose the tiara, keep the green handbag, but those stilettos so have to go etc).
Hope this helps
-------------------------------------------------- Note added at 2003-11-04 09:16:51 (GMT) --------------------------------------------------
the clown can stay, but the ferengi in the gorilla suit has to go.
Star Trek...
Explanation: There are numerous referneces to this line on the web. I know that a Ferengi is an alien, and I think that it was the captain who said the line, although I'm not sure. He could spot the Ferengi even with a gorilla suit on. Some Trekkies will have to give you a more complete answer, someone who knows what a Ferengi was like, physically or character, perhaps. Whatever the reason, the captain could spot them even when disguised.
Gayle Wallimann Local time: 11:01 Native speaker of: English PRO pts in pair: 172
1 hr confidence: peer agreement (net): +3
The script
Explanation: I've found the script, if it's any help. I'll get the link. Here is the bit with your punchline:
********************************
La Forge continues to scan. Suddenly Data lets out a quiet giggle.
La Forge stops and turns to look at him. Data giggles louder.
DATA
(laughing, to himself)
I get it. I get it.
LA FORGE
You get what?
Data laughs again.
DATA
When you said to Commander Riker (imitating La Forge's voice) "The
clown can stay, but the Ferengi in the gorilla suit has to go."
La Forge looks blankly at him for a moment.
LA FORGE
What?
DATA
During the Farpoint mission. We were on the Bridge and you told a
joke. That was the punchline.
LA FORGE
The Farpoint mission? Data, that was seven years ago.
DATA
I know. I just got it. (laughs) It was very funny.
LA FORGE
Thanks.
************************************
So, there is no joke available (unless ir really existed in another film, and this is like an ongoing 'in-joke').
What the line means, is 'we'll keep the clown, but the Ferengi in the gorilla suit really has to go'
(Keep/lose with often used...Keep the diamond earrings, but definitely lose the tiara, keep the green handbag, but those stilettos so have to go etc).
Hope this helps
-------------------------------------------------- Note added at 2003-11-04 09:16:51 (GMT) --------------------------------------------------
The translation workplace 
Software comparison tool
peer agreement (net): +2
