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ISIS declares war on Nike

'Nike' is dangerously close to Arabic words describing sex.

 

Patrick Howell O'Neill

Tech

Posted on Apr 24, 2015   Updated on May 28, 2021, 11:54 pm CDT

The Islamic State has banned Nike, the multibillion dollar American clothing company, because the word sounds similar to Arabic words describing sexual intercourse, according to multiple reports.

Nike, which takes its name from the ancient Greek god of victory, has its own sexual undertones in English in its famous slogan: “Just Do It.” 

The brand’s worldwide success means it can be found all around world, even on the forehead of Islamic State commanders.

Russia Today/YouTube

The ban inspired debate among Islamic State supporters online, some of whom compared the wearing of Nike to the wearing of a cross. 

H/T Complex | Illustration via Nike/WallpaperCave

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*First Published: Apr 24, 2015, 5:52 pm CDT