To the unilingual anglophones out there, trying to translate a single phrase
with only a dictionary, and not understanding why the result could be wrong:
have you ever listened to a foreigner trying to speak english? Preferably
one with little experience, and no particular linguistic talent?

They make an amazing collection of errors, and the results range from
correct, to stilted, to peculiar, to confusing, to incoherent. I believe
that what Haukur and others are trying to tell you, is that this is what
you sound like, when you attempt literal translation.

For example, the english noun "sharp" can mean intelligent, physically
suitable for cutting, or tending to blunt and unkind speech. As an adjective,
it can also refer to a kind of thief, as in the phrase "card sharp".

Likewise, the english noun axe can refer to a guitar, a weapon, or a tool
suitable for chopping. As a verb, it can refer to chopping or, more commonly
to removing something from a plan or program.

Now take the potential nickname "SharpAxe" ... which would be seen
as awkward even in english ... and translate with a dictionary ...
you might just end up with SmartMusicalInstrument. Oops...

And that's before you get into the problem of awkward, stilted
phrasing. Should that be "Joe SharpAxe" or "Joe of the Sharp Axe"
or "Sharp Axe Joe" or "Joe the Axe"? Some of these possibilities
will sound more or less stilted. Some will be nonsense: "Joe Axe The Sharp"?!
Some will say what you don't intend "Axe Sharp Joe". Add a few spelling
and grammar mistakes, and it gets even better "Ask Joe's Harp"?!

I believe what Haukur is trying to say is that this is the kind of thing
you are creating. Except he's trying to explain the specific errors you
are making, and confusing you in the process ... as if I tried to explain
to some linguistically clueless icelander why "Harold Hair Pretty" is
not a legitimate translation of "Harold Hárfagr", yet "Harold Fair Hair"
is perfectly OK.

--
Arlie

(Arlie Stephens arlie@...)