"Add Oil . . . Add Oil": Crossing The Cultural Divide

This one is destined to Olympic Giggle Gold Medal.

Some things simply do not translate.

Imagine Sven Bjornsen stepping onto the the platform to receive the Olympic Gold Medal for his record Tiddly Winks performance to the cheers of his adoring Chinese fans in response to the giant LED sign scrolling and flashing "applaud applaud thumbs up cheer 'add oil, add oil'" The chip eating, beer sucking lazyboy physical fitness gurus of the world would fall out of their reclining chairs and land on their collective arses laughing themselves into a hysterical stupor; and yet that is exactly what is expected from 1.6 billion people.

Known more for stoicism than spontaneity, the 1.3 billion Chinese witnesses to the 2008 have been given a choreographed, no doubt well rehearsed, official Olympic cheer that would no doubt be appropriate for the Shanghai Formula 1 race when a multi-million dollar race car blows an engine. Somehow, "add oil; add oil" just doesn't work for the pole vault, pistol shooting, and gymnastics competitions.

According to a report from Reuters the official cheer is being taught everywhere from busses to schools and anywhere people gather.

". . . . the ubiquitous Chinese sporting chant, "Jiayou" or "add oil," the four-step routine is designed to help spectators cheer in a "smooth and civilized manner" at the August 8-24 Games.

The chant will be promoted by television programs, video presentations and squads of cheering volunteers at the venues as well as by the education ministry, the People's Daily reported.

The routine begins with "Olympics -- add oil" accompanied by two claps and a double thumbs up, before continuing with "China -- add oil" with two more claps and raised fists.

The "China" and "Olympics" can be replaced to allow support for other countries or individuals, the paper said. . . ."

Or as my old somewhat used and slightly abused Brit friends, Osgood P. Stuckwicket and his lifelong girlfriend and drinking partner, Winifred Knightbouquet, might have said, "Yah-fookin-who?"