An American couple were left utterly perplexed upon discovering something unfamiliar to them at a UK grocery store. Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Bookmark
Add us as preferred source Comments
An American husband and wife, who routinely document their travels around the UK, were left completely baffled after they stumbled upon an item they had never encountered before during a regular shopping expedition. Savannah Smith and her partner, Kalani, consistently upload content on social media, emphasizing the differences between American and British customs.
In a recent TikTok post, Savannah recorded the couple’s bewilderment while grocery shopping at a Tesco location, perplexed by an element they’d never come across. The footage showcases the pair in the produce area of the supermarket, positioned at the scales where patrons measure and tag their purchases. Savannah remarked: “One unusual thing that you might not consider is grocery shopping here in the UK.”
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
READ MORE: Alert issued to all strawberry purchasers at the supermarket
READ MORE: Top supermarket ketchup revealed – equals Heinz and triumphs over Hellman’s
We’re at the spot where you’re required to place your produce on a scale to determine its weight, but you must input the vegetable. We typed in zucchini, and nothing appeared since they don’t refer to it as zucchini here.”
Kalani interjects: “They refer to it as a courgette,” articulating it with a hard ‘g’ sound, similar to ‘guitar,’ instead of the accurate soft ‘g’, like in ‘giraffe’. Savannah proceeds: “They call it a courgette,” mimicking her husband’s pronunciation, “a term I’ve never heard before. Furthermore, none of our grocery stores back home necessitate this.”
Kalani mentions: “You typically do this at the register.” Concluding, Savannah states: “Indeed, here you handle it yourself and affix the sticker. However, I never would have imagined you guys called it a courgette.”
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
Over the past few years, various UK grocery chains have implemented scales within their fruit and vegetable sections, according to the Mirror. These enable shoppers to weigh unpackaged goods such as bananas, apples, onions, potatoes, and other fresh items, then generate a barcoded sticker showing the precise cost for that weight. This can be scanned at self-checkout stations, using handheld scanning devices, or by the store’s cashiers. However, supermarkets still provide the choice of weighing and pricing produce at the checkout counter.
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT @savannahghosthunter
Life in the UK as an American #uk #americanintheuk #fyp #england @KGH (Kalani Ghost Hunter)
original sound – Savannah Ghost Hunter
Viewers displayed a range of reactions to the footage, with many amused by the pair’s delivery of courgette. One expressed: “Forgive me for chuckling at this pronunciation.” Savannah responded: “Oops.”
Another individual commented: “Your pronunciation of courgette is nearly killing me! I’m officially renaming it that in our household, it’s amazing!! We also dub Worcestershire sauce ‘wash your sister’ sauce after hearing a woman from the US say it that way!!”
However, another said: “They did a great job attempting it, considering it’s a totally foreign word they’ve just encountered.” And someone else added: “The entire world refers to them as courgettes. The US altered the name to zucchini. It’s originally French.”
A separate commenter questioned the presence of the scales. They stated: “I reside in the UK and have never done that and didn’t know it was a thing, and I shop at Tesco.” Another mentioned: “You only really need to print the label if you’re utilizing the portable self-scan handsets.”
The latest science news from the natural world, health, tech and beyond Subscribe Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Get More of Our News on Google
Set Daily Express as a ‘Preferred Source’ to get quicker access to the news you value.
And someone else remarked: “Honestly surprised the checkout system doesn’t feature a function that reroutes a search for zucchini to courgette. Most individuals are familiar with American terminology.”
Ensure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as your Preferred Source in your Google search settings.