Subtitles

The best subtitle fails: Janet jazz jazz jam, willy-nibbling pigs, road ejaculation, phrase whore and more

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By Ishbel Macleod, PR and social media consultant

February 13, 2014 | 2 min read

Ahh, subtitles. For people who are hard of hearing they are incredibly important, but the problems of providing subtitles for live programmes and breaking news are rife, and sometimes hilarious.

Last year, Ofcom announced plans to audit subtitles after some famous gaffes - a 'moment's violence' at the Queen Mother's funeral for one - but even this year there has been some embarrassing subtitles screw-ups (year of the whores, anyone?) and the horrible Janet jazz jazz jam shenanigans from earlier this week.

Here, we take a look at examples of the most cringeworthy (and hilarious) times when subtitles have gone wrong. And times when, you know, we hope they are wrong, because otherwise there will be some fairly awkward moments.

Sex offender, silver medal, same difference?
When Manchester United player Adnan Januzaj became Janet Jazz jazz jam: it's duck duck goose for a new generation
We're guessing someone isn't a Kate Middleton fan?
What he gets up to in his own time is between him, the pigs and the BBC.
From pigs nibbling to cat pornography.
Either it's supposed to be Frasier, or the poor boy's name was chosen by the internet.
We're hoping this is a typo. Really, really, hoping.
Erm...what? The biggest what now?
When in doubt, burn witches. Because burning will stop fires.
Look, Santa has to make money the rest of the year, right?
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