SALOON VS SALON

The picture/flyer herein shows a recently opened shop named PETZ SALOON providing grooming service and accessories for pets (mainly cats and dogs).

According to the owner, the meanings of the words in the name do not significantly form a serious consideration in the choice of the name. Just like the word "PETZ", it should actually be "PETS"; but "PETZ" is chosen because 'Z' has a special sentimental value to the owner who has chosen the name "PETZ SALOON" for peculiarity and ease of pronunciation/calling.

The names of many other shops, I believe, are adopted for such or similar reasons despite the below-mentioned criticisms which seem to suggest that the meanings of the words forming the names must reflect the natures and/or activities of the shops.

By theseeker on 18-Apr-2007 in The Star Online: Blog (Citizen's Blog) (criticizing the Opinion below)
The claim here is that "hair saloon" or "hairdressing saloon" is wrong and that "hair salon" is the correct phrase. This is quite the opposite of the reality. According to the Oxford, a "salon" is "an establishment where a hairdresser, beautician, or couturier conducts their trade". Hence, "salon" alone would suffice, and "hair salon" would be incorrect, as it is just as redundant as saying "hair hair shop". Note the repetition. On the other hand, a "saloon" is "a public room or building used for a specified purpose". As such, one can call a barber's shop a "hair saloon", which would be correct according to the Oxford. Hence, I believe it is the claim that is wrong, and not the signs at the barber's/beautician's/etc. shop.

By CONUNDRUM, Penang on April 7, 2007 in Opinion Page of THE STAR NEWS

IN THE past 10 years nostalgia has regularly brought me from Sydney back to Malaysia, particularly Penang where I was born and bred.

During my visits I have never ceased to be intrigued by the prevalent sign on the walls of many a barber’s or hairdresser’s spelling out unequivocally ‘Hairdressing Saloon’ or simply ‘Hair Saloon’.

That includes shops in the heart of George Town, one of which also calls itself ‘Hair Academy and Hairdressing Saloon’.

Reliable sources have also confirmed that ‘saloon’ is still the hairdressers’ preferred word in parts of Kuala Lumpur.

The other day I was lucky enough to have actually spotted two ‘Hair Salons’ not far apart in Farlim, a suburb of George Town. Another shop in a different part of Farlim has decided on ‘Hair Saloon’ on the front wall and ‘Hair Salon’ on the back wall, just in case.

Nonetheless most of the others throughout the island are content to call themselves ‘saloons’ which denote public bars in English-speaking countries whereas a barber’s or a hairdresser’s is usually referred to as a ‘Hair Salon’.

Incidentally, there should be no confusion from the Malay word ‘salun’ used by some hairdressers’ as it must have been informally coined somewhere along the line.

It can be rather confusing for foreign visitors who do not have the benefit of a cross-cultural experience like me. With the Visit Malaysia campaign in full swing I think it all the more appropriate not to perpetuate such an ambiguous practice. CONUNDRUM,

Penang.