March 25 • Cultural Insight

International Waffle Day

The linguistic mistake that became a holiday. Originating in Sweden (Våffeldagen), it sounds similar to 'Our Lady's Day' (Vårfrudagen), and thus a global food holiday was born. This lesson explores the commercialisation of the stomach and why humans feel the need to dedicate every day of the year to a specific food item.

Speaking Discussion

Why has food become the new religion for young people (taking photos, visiting viral cafes)?
Is waffle day just a clever marketing trick to make us buy more flour and sugar?
Do you prefer sweet or savory for breakfast? What does your choice say about your personality?
Should unhealthy food holidays be banned to fight the obesity epidemic?
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, would it be a waffle? Why?

Activity 1: The Menu Designer

The Task: You are opening a global waffle house. Design a waffle that represents 3 different countries using only 3 toppings. Explain the cultural meaning of each.

Activity 2: Rapid Fire Debate

Is instagrammable food destroying our ability to actually enjoy the taste of a meal?

Key Vocabulary

Linguistic (Adj) Relating to language or linguistics.
Commercialisation (N) The process of managing or running something principally for financial gain.
Obesity (N) The state of being grossly fat or overweight.
Savory (Adj) (Of food) belonging to the category that is salty or spicy rather than sweet.
Origin (N) The point or place where something begins, arises, or is derived.

Fluency Catalyst

Native Phrase: When discussing impact, use: "To waffle on about something (talking too much)."

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