Tag: Cultural differences

The word "biscuit" comes from the Latin for "twice-cooked," while "cookie" derives from the Dutch word for "little cake". These different origins reflect the fundamental characteristics, but the real question remains: what is better, cookies or biscuits?

For thousands of years, boiling water to make it safe for consumption has been a widespread practice in many parts of Asia, fundamentally influencing why Asians drink hot water instead of cold water. This tradition is deeply intertwined with hygiene, historical events, and ancient medicinal beliefs that prioritize warmth and balance within the body.

According to 2019 data cited by Wikipedia, Americans consumed significantly more beer per capita than their Canadian neighbors. This per-person comparison, which is often more telling than total consumption, reveals nuanced differences in North American drinking culture and market trends that influence who drinks more beer, Canada or the USA.

In Canada's most populous province, Ontario, bagged milk is overwhelmingly popular, but each of the three bags inside a larger outer bag does not contain a full litre of milk. Many people assume a standard size, but the reality is that the capacity of a milk bag depends on where you live.

Across much of Europe, requesting a glass of ice water can be met with surprise, especially in countries like Italy and Spain. The question, 'Why don't Europeans drink cold water?' reveals deep-seated cultural habits and long-held health beliefs. This practice is common.

According to a 2025 study comparing Thai and Japanese populations, over 90% of Japanese individuals were found to be non- or mild-spicy lovers, significantly contrasting with their Thai counterparts. This suggests that generally, Japanese people do not have a high spice tolerance, influenced by deep-seated cultural and historical factors.

According to a 2020 study published by NCBI, approximately 61% of U.S. adults reported consuming sweet foods on a single intake day, but pinning down an exact percentage for what percentage of people like sweets globally is far more complex. Innate biology, cultural background, and individual genetics all contribute to our personal relationship with sugar.

In a surprising 2023 Canadian court case, a thumbs-up emoji was legally ruled as a binding contract, resulting in an $82,000 fine. This singular incident proves the complexity of what was once considered a simple gesture, leaving many to wonder: **is thumbs-up good or bad?** The answer depends entirely on context, culture, and a deeper understanding of nonverbal communication.

On average, a person in the United States spends about 85 minutes per day eating and drinking, according to 2022 data from the USDA's Economic Research Service. This figure, however, can vary significantly depending on a range of personal, cultural, and environmental factors.

According to the World Obesity Federation, the United States consistently ranks among the countries with the highest obesity rates, while many European nations maintain significantly lower percentages. This striking disparity prompts the question: why aren't Europeans as obese as Americans?