Words English Stole
This French word for a little wineshop or restaurant was adopted into English almost unchanged
What is a Bistro?
Despite being America's favourite ballpark food, this snack traces its origins to Frankfurt and Vienna, Germany
What is the hot dog?
This beloved fast food item from McDonald's, returns occasionally but was "discontinued" multiple times
What is the McRib
Before becoming Prince Harry's wife and a household name, this actress worked as a part-time calligrapher, teaching classes and creating personalised wedding invitations — including for singer Robin Thicke's wedding in 2005
Who is Meghan Duchess of Sussex (Meghan Markle)
This country holds the world record for the most World Cup titles in football, having won it a record 5 times
What is Brazil?
The Japanese word for "empty orchestra" gave us this English term for singing along to backing tracks
What is Karaoke?
Apple pie is as American as... Austria? This pastry is considered the direct ancestor, brought over by European settlers
What is Strudel?
This Pepsi product launched in 1992, marketed as a "clear cola," was pulled within a year and is blamed for killing the whole clear drinks craze
Before auditioning for X Factor at 16, this singer earned £6 an hour sweeping floors and serving customers at a bakery in Cheshire, England
Who is Harry Styles?
This country eats more chocolate per person per year than any other nation on Earth, averaging around 10kg per person annually
What is Switzerland?
English borrowed this Urdu word, meaning "dusty" to describe the color of a sturdy twilled cotton fabric
What is Khaki?
This "American" diner staple of beef patties on a roll actually originated with German immigrants from Hamburg
What is the Hamburger?
This fan-favourite Nintendo handheld console was discontinued in 2020 after 76 million units sold, widely considered one of the best gaming devices ever made
Growing up on her family's Christmas tree farm in Pennsylvania, this "fearless" singer's childhood chore was picking praying mantis egg pods off trees before they hatched inside customers' homes.
Who is Taylor Swift?
This country holds the record for the longest traffic jam in history — a 2010 backup stretching over 60 miles that lasted an astonishing 12 days
What is China?
This word for a relaxed outdoor meal comes from a French term that originally meant potluck-style.
What is a Picnic?
Though it's served at nearly every American diner, this egg-based brunch staple actually originated in France — its name even comes from the French word for "folded"
What is an Omelette?
Netflix announced that the upcoming fifth season will be the absolute last ride for John B, Sarah Cameron, and the rest of the treasure-hunting Pogues
What is Outer Banks?
Before rap stardom, this "Super Bass" artist was fired from her job as a waitress at Red Lobster after chasing down a customer who walked off with her pen
Who is Nicki Minaj?
This country holds the record for the longest place name in the world, a small town whose full Māori name has 85 characters- Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateaturipukakapikimaungahoronukupokaiwhenuakitanatahu
What is New Zealand?
English swiped this Malay word to describe a large, destructive ocean wave, though Japanese gets most of the credit
What is Tsunami?
Buffalo wings are deeply American — but the concept of frying poultry in spiced sauce traces back to this cultures culinary tradition brought over via the slave trade
What is West Africa?
In 2025, Microsoft officially said goodbye to this pioneering video-calling platform that we all used before Zoom, transitioning remaining users over to Teams.
What is Skype?
Before becoming one of Hollywood's biggest leading men, this Fight Club and Ocean's Eleven star's first LA job was standing outside a fast food chicken restaurant in a full chicken costume, waving at passing cars
Who is Brad Pitt?
This country holds the record for the most languages spoken within its borders, with over 800 distinct languages — more than any other nation on Earth
What is Papua New Guinea?