I am. Today was the first time the answer was a word I do not know. And it's not even in my "Shorter" (ie very long) Oxford English Dictionary - admittedly a 1972 edition. I'm calling foul on this one.
Based on what John said above I got that immediately; I don't think Americans will have struggled but plenty of Brits will. It's not a US spelling as such (eg favor), but it's certainly a word that's much, much more commonly used there than here.
If you don't frequent trendy noodle bars, and aren't an adherent of Flying Spaghetti Monsterism, then it's wholly possible never to have come across it.
Interesting, I wouldn’t associate it with America and I can’t find any reference online to a possible American origin. What’s the theory behind that link?
I don't know how it came about, but when I was in the US in the 80s, "Top Ramen" (i.e. packet noodles with a powder packet of flavouring) held a similar status in the US as did Pot Noodle in the UK, though I think somewhat less maligned.
Anyone who has read any of the US books on Everest expeditions surely must know 'ramen', since it seems to be a major part of the base camp catering experience...
Oh interesting. I think it goes a lot further back in Chinese and Japanese cuisine but that makes sense as to why it might be more of a household term in the states.
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