Whats In a Name? GM Embarrassed over LaCrosse

LaCrosse Slang for Self-Gratification among Quebec Teens

Even worse than Mercedes-Benz naming their new crossover concept the GST (Grand Sport Tourer), not a particularly positive association with Canadas much hated Goods & Services Tax (GST), General Motors has named a car the masturbation.

Its Buick LaCrosse concept that has just been announced for production, lacrosse a name most Canadians know as an indigenous peoples sport, is slang for masturbation in Quebec, embarrassing GM officials according to the domestic automaker.

To be fair, who could have known that LaCrosse was used to describe self-satisfying behavior among French-speaking Quebec teens?

It was announced that GM Canada is revising the new name for the Canadian market, at least, with no word whether the U.S. division will do likewise. The new sedan will go into production next year replacing the Buick Regal.

This, unfortunately, isnt the first time GM has fumbled over a name. In the 70s Chevrolet imported its Nova to Mexico, as well as other Spanish-language countries, later to learn that the word Nova translates into “doesnt go,” not the best image to be portraying in the car business. Nonetheless the car sold well, saying much for the Mexican sense of humor.