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Why the Great British Bake Off has a different name in America
The language divide: American English vs. British English
When it comes to language, there are often subtle but significant differences between American English and British English. These differences extend to many aspects of life, including food terminology. Traveling to England can be an eye-opening experience for Americans, as they encounter a whole new vocabulary. Elevators are called lifts, grocery stores are called supermarkets, and shopping carts are called trolleys. The divergence doesn’t stop there, as even the names of certain foods have different labels. For example, what Americans call arugula is called rocket in the UK, and a biscuit in the UK is not the same as the baked good Americans are familiar with – it’s more like a chocolate chip cookie. Similarly, zucchini and eggplant are called zucchini and eggplant across the Atlantic.
The Great British Bake Off or The Great British Baking Show?
A common cultural phenomenon between Americans and Brits is their love of a popular baking competition show on Netflix. However, there is a curious discrepancy when it comes to the show’s name. In the UK, it is known as “The Great British Bake Off”, while in America it is called “The Great British Baking Show”. So what’s the reason for this dual identity?
The Pillsbury Influence
The answer lies with Pillsbury, the famous company responsible for introducing the world to ready-to-bake pie crusts, cinnamon rolls, cookies, biscuits and toaster strudels. Surprisingly, Pillsbury owns the exclusive rights to the words “Bake Off” in the United States. This means that no other company in the country can use the term. As a result, the show had to adopt a different name for its American audience, leading to the title The Great British Baking Show. It’s important to note that this decision was not made by the show’s creators or producers, but rather due to copyright restrictions imposed by Pillsbury.
A brief history of the Pillsbury Bake-Off
Pillsbury has a long tradition of hosting baking competitions for home bakers. The first event, known as the Grand National Recipe and Baking Contest, was held in 1949. Over the years, the contest grew in popularity and was renamed the Pillsbury Bake-Off. Since its inception, the competition has been televised, first on CBS and now on the Food Network. The Pillsbury Bake-Off not only gives contestants a chance to showcase their baking skills, but also offers a substantial cash prize of $50,000 to the winner.
The Great British Bake Off/Baking Show: Celebrating everyday bakers
Despite its name, The Great British Bake Off/Baking Show shares a fundamental similarity with the Pillsbury Bake-Off: it celebrates the talent and creativity of everyday bakers. The show features amateur bakers competing to impress the judges with their delicious creations. For some contestants, competing on the show is a stepping stone to a successful baking career, gaining recognition and opportunities beyond the competition. Notable past winners, such as Nadiyah Hussain, have gone on to achieve remarkable success and become influential figures in the baking world.
Conclusion
In the realm of baking and culinary competitions, the divergence between American English and British English extends to the very names of these shows. The Great British Bake Off, so beloved by Brits, is called something else in America, all because Pillsbury has exclusive rights to the term “bake off”. Despite this linguistic discrepancy, the essence of the show remains the same – a platform for passionate and talented bakers to showcase their skills, captivate audiences and inspire others to embrace the joy of baking. Whether you’re a fan of The Great British Bake Off or The Great British Baking Show, one thing is for sure: both versions offer a delightful journey into the world of baking and culinary artistry.
FAQS
Why is the show called “The Great British Bake Off” in the UK?
In the UK, the show is called “The Great British Bake Off” because that is where it originated and where it has gained immense popularity.
Why is the show called The Great British Baking Show in America?
The show is called The Great British Baking Show in America because of copyright restrictions. Pillsbury, a well-known company, owns the exclusive rights to the term “Bake Off” in the United States, forcing the show to adopt a different name.
Is there a difference between The Great British Bake Off and The Great British Baking Show?
No, there is no difference in content or concept between The Great British Bake Off and The Great British Baking Show. The name change only applies to the US version due to copyright restrictions.
Who decided to change the name of the show for the American audience?
The decision to change the name of the show for American audiences was not made by the creators or producers of the show. It was a result of copyright restrictions imposed by Pillsbury, the company that owns the exclusive rights to the term “Bake Off” in the United States.
Is The Great British Bake Off still called that in other countries?
Yes, in many countries outside of the United States, the show is still known as “The Great British Bake Off” and retains its original title.
Are there any other instances where the names of shows or products differ between the UK and the US?
Yes, there are several examples of shows and products having different names in the UK and US due to language and cultural differences. This phenomenon is not limited to The Great British Bake Off.