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Car Forum / Ferrari Cars / September 2004[OT] Countach
Can anyone provide a substantiated definition for the word "countach"? TIA > Can anyone provide a substantiated definition for the word "countach"? > > TIA I did a bit of deep searching, even on foreign language dictionary sites, and I've found nothing about the origin of the word, which leads me to believe it was made up. I thought I had heard something once about most, if not all, Lamborghini models being named after various countries' "ill-wind" weather phenomena, but after looking at a listing of model names I think the only the Urraco and maybe the Jalpa have that distinction. There's still a nagging voice inside me that says a countach is one of those devil winds in some country, but I can't prove it. On a related O/T note, man - is Lambo's official web site a piece of sh.t or what? The web designer must be related to whomever signed off on it. MC >> Can anyone provide a substantiated definition for the word "countach"? >> [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] >sites, and I've found nothing about the origin of the word, which leads >me to believe it was made up. It is commonly attributed as a Pietmonese dialectical interjection "politely" translated as "Wow!" and "Good Lord!". I have seen an unattributed definitions as "an Italian expression, that might be exclaimed by an Italian male upon sighting an attractive lady" or "a term for a good looking girl", and I'll bet I've read Phil Hill bluntly define it as "Pietmonese for 'a piece of a.s'", but a scholastically rigorous attribution still eludes me. >I thought I had heard something once >about most, if not all, Lamborghini models being named after various >countries' "ill-wind" weather phenomena, You must mean Volkswagenini ...The Sirocco. It's actually Maserati who have named street models after atmospheric phenomena: Bora, Ghibli, Khamsin, Mistral, Shamal all being seasonal winds. >but after looking at a listing >of model names I think the only the Urraco and maybe the Jalpa have that >distinction. There's still a nagging voice inside me that says a >countach is one of those devil winds in some country, but I can't prove it. Lamborghini's have traditionally been named for terms of bullfighting, only Miura being a breed, iirc. ...Gallardo means "polished turd" in the South-Saxony German dialect. >On a related O/T note, man - is Lambo's official web site a piece of >sh.t or what? The web designer must be related to whomever signed off >on it. I'll go one better: Ferrari's and Maserati's sites are also unmitigated garbage. ...Just because one can do things with Java/Flash/frames/popups and muliple browser windows doesn't mean one always should. >>>Can anyone provide a substantiated definition for the word "countach"? >>> [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > that might be exclaimed by an Italian male upon sighting an attractive > lady" or "a term for a good looking girl", a and myriad other well-researched bits. I bow to your intellect on this one. You are a human search engine. I dine on crow tonight. (I know, this wasn't necessarily a "crow" situation, but while reading your findings I felt a bit like that naked emperor who thought he was splendiferously attired. I'm sure you can understand that with most of my friends out here in Cali I can get away with an effort like that). OTOH, crow is probably more nutritious than what I usually eat. MC <<Lamborghini's have traditionally been named for terms of bullfighting, only Miura being a breed, iirc.>> Murcielago means "bat" in Spanish. <<...Just because one can do things with Java/Flash/frames/popups and muliple browser windows doesn't mean one always should.>> That can't be said often enough. C. ><<Lamborghini's have traditionally been named for terms of bullfighting, only >Miura being a breed, iirc.>> > >Murcielago means "bat" in Spanish. It was the name of a nineteenth-century fighting bull whose life was spared in recognition of his"exceptional spirit and courage". ><<...Just because one can do things with Java/Flash/frames/popups and muliple >browser windows doesn't mean one always should.>> > >That can't be said often enough. ...Just because one can do things with Java/Flash/frames/popups and muliple browser windows doesn't mean one always should. ;-) > >Murcielago means "bat" in Spanish. > > It was the name of a nineteenth-century fighting bull whose life was > spared in recognition of his"exceptional spirit and courage". I was under the impression (from Road & Track back when the Murcielago was first shown) that most Lambos were named after either bulls, bullfighting terms, or breeds of bulls. OTOH, I could be completely wrong. :P Aaron <<I was under the impression (from Road & Track back when the Murcielago was first shown) that most Lambos were named after either bulls, bullfighting terms, or breeds of bulls.>> Yup. That's what was just said a minute ago. Try to keep up. <g> C. <<the name of a nineteenth-century fighting bull whose life was spared in recognition of his "exceptional spirit and courage".>> Bullfighting is disgusting. C. > <<the name of a nineteenth-century fighting bull whose life was spared in > recognition of his "exceptional spirit and courage".>> > > Bullfighting is disgusting. > > C. +1 on that one. I root for the bull every time. As for Gallardo meaning "polished turd" I disagree. I kinda like 'em. Although I still think Countach is Pietmonese for "tacky" or maybe "looks like a kit even when genuine". Still, if offered a new Gallardo or any Ferrari in like new condition I'd go Ferrari, no question. Yes, even if they offered me a 308GT4, '81 US-spec 308, or that one older model Letterman has where the rear tires sit about 5" inboard of the rear fender lips. Wouldn't matter. There are cars, and then there are Ferraris. -Matt- "'Nuff said." >As for Gallardo meaning "polished turd" I disagree. I kinda >like 'em. A Volkswagen in a counterfeit Armani suit: VW engine, Audi chassis, Audi design and styling. I bet the only thing "Lamborghini" is the leather interior bits. >Although I still think Countach is Pietmonese for >"tacky" or maybe "looks like a kit even when genuine". The LP400 is a work of genius and beauty, on all the subsequent versions I agree with you. >Still, if offered a new Gallardo or any Ferrari in like new >condition I'd go Ferrari, no question. [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > >There are cars, and then there are Ferraris. In the words of another, "pedigree". > A Volkswagen in a counterfeit Armani suit: VW engine, Audi chassis, > Audi design and styling. I bet the only thing "Lamborghini" is the > leather interior bits. I really didn't want to believe this type of arrangement would come to pass, both when the Audi purchase of Lamborghini happened, and when the Murcielago and then the Gallardo were unveiled. I wonder if some of the holdover Lamborghini management folk that still have some pride inside prefer to use the word "merger" while downing a few grappas with their peers after a long day at the buro, oops ... office. Alas, 'tis all true. This from the 7/03 Car and Driver: "Lamborghini wants you to believe the 5.0-liter V-10 engine is an all-new creation. Fact is, the V-10 is built alongside Audi’s 4.2-liter V-8 at the engine plant in Gyoýr, Hungary. Essentially, the V-10 is the all-aluminum V-8 with two extra cylinders. Both share the 90-degree angle (forcing engineers to offset the crankshaft pins of the V-10 by 18 degrees to ensure even firing at every 72 degrees of " and blahblahblah This isn't such a terrible thing ... Audi basically took a car company that lurched from one ownership situation to another over the years, always buffeted by rumors and turmoil while still turning out some pretty amazing machinery ... a company that might have disappeared completely, and they turned it into a pretty strong entity that can still turn out very high-performance exotic cars with distinctly Italian styling and panache, even if nearly all the parts don't even get a whiff of Italy. But the REAL source of pride for us in a.a.f. is knowing that this will never happen to Ferrari. That slamming sound you hear is the door hitting the a.s of yet another aspirer to the throne as they're shown the street. Forza Ferrari! MC *Way Way O/T* - As I was making my way to the bus stop yesterday in Newport Beach, I saw my third Bentley Continental GT (one was Kobe Bryant's, as he whooshed into Fashion Island). The three I've seen were black. That is one funky looking car. Funky good or funky bad, I haven't yet decided. When one belonging to the No. 2 honcho at The Irvine Company was being detailed at the shop in the basement of the building where I sometimes hang around and cause trouble (at my old job), I got a chance to sit in the driver's seat and give the interior a good eyeball. The seats are like the finest 1st Class airline seats, yet fit very tightly around the body. But I've walked away from all three muttering "funky, funky, funky" ... >> A Volkswagen in a counterfeit Armani suit: VW engine, Audi chassis, >> Audi design and styling. I bet the only thing "Lamborghini" is the >> leather interior bits. [...] >This isn't such a terrible thing ... Audi basically took a car company >that lurched from one ownership situation to another over the years, [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] >styling and panache, even if nearly all the parts don't even get a whiff >of Italy. I like you Mike, you understand rhetorical hyperbole! In 2004, what's so exotic about a VW Group sports car, produced and manufactured on it's sedan chassis and people-mover engine lines? Before VW, Lamborghini had made several extremely clever and exciting cars (if as fragile as a whore's virtue). Now they will be the nothing more than a proving ground for the VW Group's upmarket sports products (have you seen the VW W12 Coupe? Recognize the roofline and windows?) What was probably always intended as a VW product has first been tarted up and foisted off as a Lamborghini to give it credibility. Just replace the Italian coachwork and leather with KdF nylon "tweed" and soda bottle plastics, and it'll murder the 350Z... (The Gallardo may have originally been styled in Italy, but it was "refined" in Wolfsburg.) >But the REAL source of pride for us in a.a.f. is knowing that this will >never happen to Ferrari. That slamming sound you hear is the door >hitting the a.s of yet another aspirer to the throne as they're shown >the street. Forza Ferrari! I'm not so sanguine. Just as with the Maserati MC12, acceptance of this "fraud" will lead to dilution of the genuine article. >*Way Way O/T* - As I was making my way to the bus stop yesterday in >Newport Beach, I saw my third Bentley Continental GT (one was Kobe [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] >yet fit very tightly around the body. But I've walked away from all >three muttering "funky, funky, funky" ... "What were they THINKING?" > I like you Mike, See! times really have changed. Have you discovered religion, drugs, the love of a good woman or some such? Paul >> I like you Mike, >See! times really have changed. I've always liked Mike ...it doesn't mean we have to agree. >Have you discovered religion, drugs, the love of a good woman or some such? All, in fact, at some point or another. > I like you Mike, you understand rhetorical hyperbole! [MC bows broadly, then pulls the arrow out of his a.s] <<As I was making my way to the bus stop yesterday in Newport Beach, I saw my third Bentley Continental GT (one was Kobe Bryant's, as he whooshed into Fashion Island). The three I've seen were black.>> When we were in London, you couldn't throw a stick without hitting a Bentley, Rolls, Aston Martin, Ferrari, Lotus or high-end, vintage car. Every street we looked down there was another one. I saw more money rolling on four wheels in that city than I ever have in Beverly Hills, Miami or on PCH. The only time I've ever seen more exotic cars is in Monterey during the Historics. C. > <<As I was making my way to the bus stop yesterday in Newport Beach, I saw my > third Bentley Continental GT (one was Kobe Bryant's, as he whooshed into [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > > C. Does that mean that a) London is becoming an enclave only for the very rich b) the *part* of London you were in is becoming an enclave only for the very rich c) Rich people in London are so stupid they park their nice cars in the street d) There is so little crime in London that rich people can park their nice cars in the street d) there is no garage space in London MC > Does that mean that > [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > > d) there is no garage space in London both 'd' s apply. Of course there are parts of London where you wouldn't leave the car unnatended... A recent Times article showed that the one year's cost of a reserved parking spot in a secure garage in central London could buy an apartment in Paris. I guess the cost of re-painting a key scratch down the side is less than the cost of avoidance. -Paul  SignatureHttp://www.redmist.freeserve.co.uk (Now featuring the a.a.f. directory) > >As for Gallardo meaning "polished turd" I disagree. I kinda > >like 'em. > > A Volkswagen in a counterfeit Armani suit: VW engine, Audi chassis, > Audi design and styling. I bet the only thing "Lamborghini" is the > leather interior bits. VW, Audi, same stuff. A VW-owning friend of mine refers to Audis as "Volkswagens in drag"... Of course, the missus and I have one VW and one Audi, so obviously I still like them. > >Although I still think Countach is Pietmonese for > >"tacky" or maybe "looks like a kit even when genuine". > > The LP400 is a work of genius and beauty, on all the subsequent > versions I agree with you. I agree %100. > >Still, if offered a new Gallardo or any Ferrari in like new > >condition I'd go Ferrari, no question. [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > > In the words of another, "pedigree". Eeeyup. -Matt- "..." >> >As for Gallardo meaning "polished turd" I disagree. I kinda >> >like 'em. [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] >to Audis as "Volkswagens in drag"... Of course, the missus >and I have one VW and one Audi, so obviously I still like them. Don't get me wrong: I like VWs, I like Audis. I also like Alfa Romeos, but I don't believe umbrella ownership justifies calling one a Ferrari. >> >Although I still think Countach is Pietmonese for >> >"tacky" or maybe "looks like a kit even when genuine". >> The LP400 is a work of genius and beauty, on all the subsequent >> versions I agree with you. >I agree %100. I had a feeling. It's shameful, what happened to that car... >> >Still, if offered a new Gallardo or any Ferrari in like new >> >condition I'd go Ferrari, no question. >> >Yes, even if they offered me a 308GT4, '81 US-spec 308, I've always liked that one... >> >or that one older model Letterman has where the rear tires >> >sit about 5" inboard of the rear fender lips. Wouldn't matter. I'd take it, I'd drive it, but I wouldn't look at it ...makes an early E-type look well executed. <<Countach is Pietmonese for "tacky" or maybe "looks like a kit even when genuine".>> Heh. They are a 14 yr old boy's wet dream. C. ><<the name of a nineteenth-century fighting bull whose life was spared in >recognition of his "exceptional spirit and courage".>> > >Bullfighting is disgusting. ...That is an entirely different matter. Is horse racing disgusting? Game fishing? ...Enslaving young girls to physically and psychologically debilitating gymnastics programs? Many things are disgusting to some, and none have any more to do with the name of a car. > Is horse racing disgusting? Game fishing? Well, now you ask.... > ...Enslaving young girls to physically and psychologically > debilitating gymnastics programs? Sounds good to me. How many can you get me? > Many things are disgusting to some, and none have any more to do with > the name of a car. Indeed. Paul <<...That is an entirely different matter.>> So? <<Is horse racing disgusting?>> As an industry? Yes. <<Game fishing?>> Gods, yes! <<...Enslaving young girls to physically and psychologically debilitating gymnastics programs?>> Duh. <<Many things are disgusting to some, and none have any more to do with the name of a car.>> You're complaining that I drifted your OT thread? C. ><<...That is an entirely different matter.>> > [quoted text clipped - 17 lines] > >You're complaining that I drifted your OT thread? ... ...I think so! ...Bullfighting *is* disgusting. >>Bullfighting is disgusting. Yes, I concur. >Is horse racing disgusting? Not sure. If it is, than dog breeding qualifies as disgusting also, right? >Game fishing? Yes, if you are going to impale it, the least you can do is cook the thing and eat it. >...Enslaving young girls to physically and psychologically >debilitating gymnastics programs? Kinda like corporate America. Yes, this is very disgusting. >Many things are disgusting to some, and none have any more to do with >the name of a car. Cayanne. Some more disgusting things: - The Porsche Boxster tail pipe (is it just me or does the Boxster tail pipe look like it's something that is about to (pardon the expression) "take a crap") - Reality TV shows (This Old House excluded) - TV talk shows - TV talk show hosts Phil >>>Bullfighting is disgusting. >Yes, I concur. It's all too rarely a fair fight. >>Is horse racing disgusting? >Not sure. If it is, than dog breeding qualifies as disgusting also, >right? ...Dog racing. >>Game fishing? >Yes, if you are going to impale it, the least you can do is cook the >thing and eat it. I go out for tuna once a year, NE US, blue water. It's an Italian thing... ...Eat tuna for weeks afterwards. >>Many things are disgusting to some, and none have any more to do with >>the name of a car. > >Cayanne. ...Disgusting. You're really gone too far here... >Some more disgusting things: > - The Porsche Boxster tail pipe (is it just me or does the >Boxster tail pipe look like it's something that is about to (pardon >the expression) "take a crap") Very homoerotic style element, "not that there's anything wrong with that".... > - Reality TV shows (This Old House excluded) > - TV talk shows > - TV talk show hosts Worst yet: Reality and TV "talk show" audiences. >>>Is horse racing disgusting? >>Not sure. If it is, than dog breeding qualifies as disgusting also, >>right? > >...Dog racing. Don't think so. I adopted a dog a few years back - a yellow retriever. He love's running, jumping, rolling. I think the dogs like running after the fake rabbit (or whatever). >I go out for tuna once a year, NE US, blue water. It's an Italian >thing... Capisco totalmente che lei dicono. Amo il mio tonno con le olive, annerisce il pepe ed i pomodori tritati. Phil <<Don't think so. I adopted a dog a few years back - a yellow retriever. He love's running, jumping, rolling. I think the dogs like running after the fake rabbit (or whatever).>> I've met many a horse who loved to run. Doesn't make the horse racing industry any less abusive. And dog racing didn't treat bunnies all that good before they started using fake ones. C. ><<Don't think so. I adopted a dog a few years back - a yellow retriever. He >love's running, jumping, rolling. I think the dogs like running after the fake [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > >C. I didn't say (well, maybe I did and now I'm flip-flopping like John Kerry) that the dog or horse racing industry was good or bad. I just said that dogs love to run and when they chase the rabbit they seem to be smiling. A neighbor adopted a former racing greyhound. I must admit my surprise. The dog was very well cared for, in very good health, and has a wonderful attitude. Also, to see a greyhound up close - it is really something beautiful Also, a close family member of mine owns a race horse, and there is no hint of abuse involved. Of course, these are only two examples that I have knowledge of so I can not speak for the entire world around me. However, I love animals and would kill the mother f'er I see hurt one. Phil <<...Dog racing.>> Let's just cut to the chase. Humans in general treat other animals like crap. They are used for entertainment and sustenance with little regard for their welfare during their lives or respect for the fact that their deaths prolong human life. C. > <<...Dog racing.>> > [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > > C. HEY!! I resemble that remark! We treat other *humans* like crap, too! MC <<We treat other *humans* like crap, too!>> Utterly irrelevant to the conversation. Humans as a species are more able to defend themselves against each other than other animals are able to against humans. C. > <<We treat other *humans* like crap, too!>> > [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > > C. That's because animals don't go LOOKING for trouble and stay away from things like drug deals and overpowered SUV's and trucks with a V10 engine. Imagine a badass raccoon out on parole with an AK47 driving a Ford Incursion to a drug deal. > It was the name of a nineteenth-century fighting bull whose life was > spared in recognition of his"exceptional spirit and courage". I could get VERY vegetarian about this, you know... Paul P.S. Top marks for detail, as ever. P.P.S. I also note that you're mellowing out somewhat these days. Time was that anyone who didn't know what 'Countach' meant would have met with derision. P.P.P.S ...which, incidentally, would not have included me - as I knew. P.P.P.P.S ... and *I* <swagger> know how it should be pronounced. P.P.P.P.P.S ...do you? ;-) >> It was the name of a nineteenth-century fighting bull whose life was >> spared in recognition of his"exceptional spirit and courage". > >I could get VERY vegetarian about this, you know... Eh... You can't be worse than a dear friend, who discriminates between furry mammals and birds and fish... >P.S. Top marks for detail, as ever. >P.P.S. I also note that you're mellowing out somewhat these days. Time was that >anyone who didn't know what 'Countach' meant would have met with derision. An Uncle wants a race/car related name for his new racing sailboat, and the best I could com up with was Testarossa and Countach... He asked what the meant and sort of tuned out as I went over the nuances of Countach, so I'm looking for a definitive source. >P.P.P.S ...which, incidentally, would not have included me - as I knew. >P.P.P.P.S ... and *I* <swagger> know how it should be pronounced. >P.P.P.P.P.S ...do you? ;-) The choice being koon-tash vs koon-taak; I've always used the former, as it's what I've read and heard most reliably. ...Another reason I seek a substantial reference. (Stop peeing all over the place.) |
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