>Perhaps Hilmar could comment on the accuracy of Snopes explanation as it pertains to the Spanish language.
Yes, the key points are correct. "No va" is two separate words, the accentuation is somewhat different, and usually, other phrases are used to indicate that something doesn't work.
BTW, just as in English, the stars that suddenly shine very brightly are also known in Spanish-speaking countries by the Latin name, "nova"; therefore, many people might associate it with those.
Difference in opinions hath cost many millions of lives: for instance, whether flesh be bread, or bread be flesh; whether whistling be a vice or a virtue; whether it be better to kiss a post, or throw it into the fire... (from Gulliver's Travels)
