Every trip to the store reminds me that inflation isn’t just for balloons. I don’t pretend to understand the economic forces involved, but I do know some things that inflate the cost of food. Here’s one:
General rule: If you double the P in “shop,” you double the price. Which is understandable, because it’s expensive to import food from the 16th century.
Another general rule is “fancy language equals fancy prices,” especially when the words are associated with Britain:
“Made to order” isn’t cheap, but it is cheaper than “bespoke.” I would deduct 10% from the price for misspelling “disappoint,” however.
A variation of the fancy language rule sets higher prices to anything described by a three-syllable word that most people have to look up in a dictionary:
A “distributor” can’t charge as much as a “purveyor.” Oh, and “chefs” pay more than “cooks.”
To sum up: If you’re on a tight budget, stay away from shoppes that are purveyors of bespoke fruit baskets.
Nowadays, “shoppe” does indeed seem pretentiously fancy. But back when my father’s little store, “Monkland Dry Goods Shoppe” was located at 5601 Monkland during the ’50s, it didn’t seem so special. Mainly it connoted a store with a… Victorian flavour. And its extra “pe” wasn’t alone in the commerical landscape.
“Purveyor” always makes me think of British marmalade, for some reason.
Chefs, hoity-toity for sure!
All great examples, Gerri!
I associate “shoppe” with little jars of marmalade that have a piece of gingham cloth and a bow on the lid. My mother used to give me one everytime she returned from a trip. On a separate issue, I’m not sure what’s going on with the “like” button. Sigh. Tech is not my area of expertise. I’m glad you liked the post, regardless of buttons.
BTW Gerri, for some reason, the “like” button under your post doesn’t work.
I thought the general rise in prices was a result of ineffective politicians’ action only, but now I know chic words also have to do with it.
I also think both are factors!