How Brits “Eat Avec Respect”: Foreign Words They Mispronounce

Have you ever hesitated before ordering a ‘croissant’ or stumbled over ‘gnocchi’ at a restaurant? You’re not alone. A recent study we commissioned uncovered the foreign words Brits mispronounce or find most challenging to pronounce. From French classics like ‘rendezvous’ to Vietnamese dishes like ‘pho,’ navigating menus can sometimes feel like a linguistic obstacle course.

This poll of 2,000 adults revealed that food and drink terms often top the list of tricky foreign words. Popular mispronunciations include ‘hygge,’ ‘quinoa,’ and even ‘croissant,’ despite these words being woven into British dining culture. But instead of shying away, St Pierre UK’s ‘Eat Avec Respect’ campaign encourages us to embrace these moments as opportunities to connect with other cultures.

The Top Mispronounced Foreign Words

Here are just a few of the top 30 foreign words Brits mispronounce or struggle with:

While some words stem from cuisines like French, Italian, and Greek, others highlight how global influences have enriched the Great British menus.

Why Pronunciation Matters

According to the study, nearly 88% of Brits believe it’s important to make an effort when pronouncing foreign words correctly. For 53%, however, the fear of embarrassment leads to pointing at menu items rather than speaking up. The desire to show cultural respect is strong, but confidence often holds people back.

Mispronouncing foreign words is a relatable struggle for many of us. From fumbling over ‘croissant’ to hesitating before attempting ‘gnocchi,’ it’s a reminder of how diverse and rich languages truly are. And it’s not just about getting it right – it’s about showing respect for the culture and making an effort.

Spokesperson at St Pierre UK

How Brits Are Navigating Menus

The survey also highlighted creative ways people tackle their pronunciation challenges:

• 44% ask the server how to say it.
• 36% listen to tutorials or online guides.
• 22% rely on repetition and practice.
• 16% study menus in advance.

St Pierre’s interactive UK’s Mispronunciation map below showcases which regions struggle most with foreign words. Have a look and see where your hometown ranks!

Watch the nation take on the “Croissant” challenge

To bring this research to life, we went outside to ask people how they pronounce the word “croissant.” The results? A mix of hilarious attempts and impressive efforts, showcasing the charm of trying. Watch the video below to see the nation embrace the challenge and join in the fun of St Pierre’s Eat Avec Respect campaign:

A Fun Approach to Language

St Pierre’s ‘Eat Avec Respect’ campaign highlights that making the effort is more important than getting it perfect. Over half of Brits say they’ve pointed to a menu item rather than mispronounce it, but for 63%, being corrected was a welcome learning opportunity.

Whether it’s trying to nail ‘schnitzel’ or finally mastering ‘ciabatta,’ every attempt is a step toward embracing diverse cultures and cuisines. So next time you’re faced with a challenging menu item, remember: the fun is in the trying.