Lost in translation may refer to more than simply differences in language. It can also be a product of differences in culture, or incomplete knowledge of another culture.
As an example, when I wear a hat to Starbucks, my friends there will often say that I look like "a cowboy".
I decided one day to set them straight.
"No, not a cowboy. What I'm wearing is a fedora, not a cowboy hat. Not like a cowboy, but more like Frank Sinatra."
"Who?"
"Who? You know, Sinatra. The singer."
No, they don't.
"Starbucks very often plays his music."
"Oh?"
Good grief. "Well, you see, a cowboy hat is different. The brim is much wider. Think of Joe Wayne."
"Who?"
"Who! You don't know John Wayne? I mean, come on ... it's John Wayne!"
Blank stares.
"How about the Marlboro Man?"
"Ahhh!"
Yes, they know the Marlboro Man.
So, now they know what a cowboy hat looks like.
They still don't know who Frank Sinatra is--though one of his songs is playing at this very moment!
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