Pancake?
Strange cross-cultural happenings 'round here . . .
My housemate Kate invited me to join her and her boyfriend for "pancakes" tonight. It seemed to be sort of a dessert thing since it was later and we'd had dinner. Well, I like pancakes and haven't had any in an age and a half, so I eagerly agreed.
Came down to join them later to find that "pancakes" meant something closer to what we consider "crepes". They were even squeezing lemon juice and sprinkling sugar on them. I like crepes too so this didn't present any sort of eating problem. However, I couldn't help myself and I expressed my surprise at what was being called "pancakes". Kate's boyfriend, Richard, quickly got across how gross he thought American pancakes were (something to do with the thickness and "too much fat"). I decided to tell him about chocolate-chip pancakes and that was very interesting, if predictable. Of course it all led into a discussion of the differences between our countries. Interesting.
So, be warned. If an English person invites you to enjoy "pancakes" they really mean something more "crepe"-like. After you've avoided confusion, enjoy!
My housemate Kate invited me to join her and her boyfriend for "pancakes" tonight. It seemed to be sort of a dessert thing since it was later and we'd had dinner. Well, I like pancakes and haven't had any in an age and a half, so I eagerly agreed.
Came down to join them later to find that "pancakes" meant something closer to what we consider "crepes". They were even squeezing lemon juice and sprinkling sugar on them. I like crepes too so this didn't present any sort of eating problem. However, I couldn't help myself and I expressed my surprise at what was being called "pancakes". Kate's boyfriend, Richard, quickly got across how gross he thought American pancakes were (something to do with the thickness and "too much fat"). I decided to tell him about chocolate-chip pancakes and that was very interesting, if predictable. Of course it all led into a discussion of the differences between our countries. Interesting.
So, be warned. If an English person invites you to enjoy "pancakes" they really mean something more "crepe"-like. After you've avoided confusion, enjoy!