Former US President Donald Trump recently left social media users puzzled with his unusual take on the term “groceries.” During a conversation with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Trump referred to the word “groceries” as “an old term,” sparking widespread amusement and confusion online.
“We have a term ‘groceries.’ It’s an old term, but it means the things you’re buying food. It’s pretty accurate, even if it sounds a bit outdated. But groceries are down,” Trump said.
The video clip from the May 15 exchange has since gone viral, garnering over 3 million views and flooding platforms like X (formerly Twitter) with jokes and commentary.
Social Media Reacts: “What’s the New Word Then?”
Many users were quick to question Trump’s phrasing. One user quipped, “If ‘groceries’ is considered an old term now, then what exactly is the new word supposed to be? LOL.”
Another remarked, “What average American doesn’t say the word ‘groceries’ at least a couple of times every week?”
Several users suggested that the term might sound outdated to Trump simply because he hasn’t personally gone shopping in years. “The word probably sounds old-fashioned to him because he hasn’t gone grocery shopping in years,” a user joked, pointing to Trump’s long-standing access to personal staff.
Trump Claims Grocery Prices Down By 98%
In addition to the terminology debate, Trump made bold claims about falling grocery costs under his leadership.
“But groceries are down, costs are down. Eggs are down. The first week, they were hitting me with eggs and were up 200 per cent. And now they’re down to an amazing number. We’re down 97 per cent, 98 per cent from where they were,” Trump said, as quoted by Pubity.
Supporters echoed his claim, crediting lower prices for daily essentials like eggs as a reason for their 2024 votes.
However, critics challenged his math, noting that egg prices have only dropped by around 52%, according to a CNN analysis. If taken literally, Trump’s numbers would suggest that a dozen eggs now cost just 10 to 15 cents, which is highly unrealistic.
This isn’t the first time Trump made such a statement. He made similar remarks in April, which also drew skepticism and online mockery.