16 OCtober 2008
Two thirds of us now greet with a double-kiss
UPFRONT, news, night online, COMMENTS
British drinkers are embracing European habits such as double-kissing, an interest in continental foods and drinks as well as regularly using foreign words as part of everyday speech, according to research commissioned by Heineken.
The online survey was carried out by research firm Opinion Matters in September this year, with questions answered by 1,753 UK adults over the age of 18. The results are at odds with Home Office and Dept of Health proposals to ban free drink for women as part of the Government’s ‘Safe, Sensible Social’ national alcohol strategy.
The government’s industry code, issued to the licensed trade at the weekend, criticized Britain’s drinking culture claiming that extended licensing hours have failed to bring café culture to the UK.
Heineken’s research finds that two thirds of Brits now feel comfortable greeting family, friends and even work colleagues with a peck on each cheek. As a result, new social norms of when and when not to kiss are emerging, with the majority embracing this display of public affection.
Conversations are also becoming peppered with foreign words. One in three people confessed to being ‘Bit-Lingual’; characterised by the never-tedious use of solitary foreign word or phrase within casual conversations. Favourites include; ‘ciao’, ‘allez’, ‘gracias’, ‘en route’, ‘hola’, ‘danke’, ‘adios’, ‘ce soir’, ‘benissimo’ and ‘bon appétit’.
James Woudhuysen, Professor of Forecasting and Innovation at De Montfort University, Leicester, explained: “In an emotional age, which also values speed of communication, vivid gestures and words that quickly convey meaning are acquired from continental Europe more than ever.”
The study also reveals Brits are most likely to import a continental experience through a brand or product. “European brands have strengthened their influence on the national psyche at a faster rate than any population shift,” comments Woundhuysen. “How European you are is determined not only by what you do but also what you buy”.
In terms of continental behaviour and brand habits, the UK’s leading cities are:
Brighton
Liverpool
Belfast
Edinburgh
Nottingham
Cardiff
Manchester
London
Leeds
Southampton
The reports key findings include:
67% of respondents feel comfortable air-kissing
33% of respondents use foreign words as part of everyday English language
50% of us discover more about foreign cultures through the media
62% of us discover more about foreign cultures through travelling and holidaying
49% have taken an afternoon nap or ‘siesta’
68% of us regularly socialise later than 11pm
46% of us discover more about foreign cultures through the media
63% of us discover more about foreign cultures through travelling and holidaying
46% have taken an afternoon nap or ‘siesta’
64% of us regularly socialise later than 11pm
From: Night Online
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Good luck to them. I mean Pacha, obviously ; )
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