With its quirks, unusual phrases and misleading names, the English language is leaving Brits baffled. In fact, a third of us admit to not understanding the meaning of commonplace names and phrases – rising to 61% for Gen Z-ers. So, to tackle the common and misleading phrases, TV presenter Fred Sirieix and LU Le Petit Cookie took to the streets of London to see what Brits think about these confusing sayings, and what they’d rename them to, given the chance.
We also got to catch up with him and ask him about the campaign, First Dates and his daughter representing Team GB in diving at the Paris Olympics 2024.
- Fred, as LU’s Brand Ambassador, tell me about what you’ve got up to for the launch of LU’s Le Petit Cookie?
We were out in Piccadilly Circus on a mission to find out what people really think about some of the most oddly named places and terms in the English language. The Le Petit Cookie after all is anything but Petit, it is full of flavour, has huge chunks of chocolate and a big crunch but is still petit by name.. so I thought I’d ask the public what they thought and like me they agree, it’s a big cookie with big flavour. But you’ll have to try one yourself to find out!
- As you know, biscuits (and cookies) mean a lot to the British public; they are a staple part of our everyday life and there’s nothing quite like a biscuit and a cup of tea. So, why should I put LU’s new Le Petit Cookie at the top of my shopping list?
I’ve been eating LU biscuits since I was a little boy, my mum used to buy them and my brother and I would always have them after school, since then they’ve remained my favourite ever since which has to say something about how delicious they are! The Le Petit Cookie are something special, you can’t beat the big chocolate-y chunks and bold crunchy flavour… perfect with a cup of coffee.
- ‘First Dates,’ took off here in the UK and has been going strong for 11 years now. What do you think makes ‘First Dates,’ so different from other shows out there? Do you have a standout cherished moment that you can share with us?
Ultimately, First Dates is all about real people wanting to find true love, and what could be more amazing than that? Especially as they know that they’re coming into an environment all about trying to make that happen, so you see the very real and true side of people and it feels relatable to viewers.
For me what always stands out is seeing people come out of their shell and forming connections. Many people often arrive so nervous but then once they’re there and having a good time, a nice meal, there’s suddenly a spark and you see them really light up. When you see people being open and vulnerable to finding love, it’s really special.
- Fred, you won the nation over with ‘First Dates,’ but, the one show of yours that trumps that in my household is ‘Gordon, Gino and Fred’s Road Trip.’ Back in Series 1, you and the team went to France where you went to The Oyster Festival. Now, I know your answer, but for those that don’t – Atlantic or Mediterranean Oysters and why?
No matter what Gino says… it has to be Atlantic, of course! For me, Oysters remind me of my childhood and eating them with my dad. But one thing that I always say with oysters – is that people will just swallow them, but you need savour them. Whenever I eat oysters it’s about really enjoying them, they taste incredible and when you chew them it’s like having a mouthful of the ocean. My tip for anyone trying them is to savour every mouthful.
- Us Brits get told an awful lot that our food tastes bland and boring. As a Frenchman living in the UK, what is your favourite British dish to cook and eat at home? And what is a British dish that you could happily say goodbye to forever?
A British dish I love to make has got to be a crumble. Whether it’s apple or rhubarb, or both together, I just love a crumble. As for one I’d say goodbye to… I’m not sure if there would be one. In saying that – I’m not sure if it counts as a British dish – but the deep fried pizza, I don’t think I’d keep that on the menu anywhere.
- I am a huge lover of French cuisine and wine, plus I am always open to trying to new things; both the weird and the wonderful! What is a unique French dish that you would recommend to me and what wine would you pair it with?
It would have to be my mum’s Lapin à la Moutarde, which is rabbit in a mustard sauce and with it I would serve either a beautiful white Burgundy, something lovely and fruity or maybe a lovely red – such as a Pinot Noir.
- Fred, your daughter Andrea will be taking to sport’s biggest stage at this summer’s Paris Olympics representing Team GB in Diving; what goes through your mind when watching Andrea dive, representing her country?
Seeing her out there, I’m just immensely proud. If I was scoring my pride on a scale of 1 to 10, it definitely would be a 10 that’s for sure.
It’s quite something to think about, all her hard work, dedication, resilience, the focus and really the work ethic. It’s so beautiful when you think about it, because it’s just single minded focus and the passion to just be the best you can be at your craft. All she wants to do is rip the perfect dive and I love that.
- And finally, apart from the Olympic Games, what else have you got going on this Summer and where can the British Public see you next?
My new book Seriously British is out on 12th September, which I’m really excited about – only a small handful of people have seen it, so it’s quite nerve wracking to be launching it into the world but also so exciting. It’s my love letter to Britain and captures everything that I’ve fallen in love with having been here for the past 30 years – even the rain!
The Top 10 perplexing naming conventions according to Brits:
- Tennis bracelet (32%)
- Herringbone (17%)
- Koala bear (16%)
- Gravy boat (13%)
- Earwig (12%)
- Red Herring (12%)
- Wisdom Teeth (11%)
- Pencil lead (11%)
- Cat Burglar (10%)
- Daddy Longlegs (10%)
The Top 10 perplexing phrases according to Brits:
- A dime a dozen (24%)
- Raining cats and dogs (16%)
- Cat got your tongue (14%)
- Bite the bullet (12%)
- Easy as pie (12%)
- Beat around the bush (9%)
- Don’t count your chickens before they hatch (9%)
- A penny for your thoughts (7%)
- Barking up the wrong tree (7%)
- Let the cat out of the bag (7%)
The research, commissioned by French biscuit brand LU, marks the launch of its new biscuit and first-ever cookie, LU Le Petit Cookie. The cookie, although ‘petit’ by name, is certainly not ‘petit’ by nature, with its generous size, big rich chunks of chocolate, golden crunchy base, and sumptuous flavour.
