avoirdupois
noun

a system for measuring weight used in many English-speaking countries, based on a pound that contains 16 ounces

Cambridge Dictionary

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WORD ORIGIN

The word avoirdupois comes from Old French: avoir = to have, to possess, or as a noun = goods / property, de = of, pois (later poids) = weight. So the literal meaning is: “goods of weight” or “merchandise by weight.” In medieval France, this referred to trade goods sold by bulk weight, as opposed to precious items (which used different systems like the Troy weight).

It entered Middle English in the 14th century as aver de peise, later avoir de pois, and finally stabilising as avoirdupois, referring specifically to the common weight system used for everyday commodities (pound (lb) = 16 ounces) still used in the UK/US today.

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THE WEIGHT OF DECEPTION
How Packaging Quietly Tricks Us

1. The Shrinking Package
The product looks the same size on the shelf, but the contents quietly drop from 500g to 450g. The box stays big — the weight gets small.

2. The “Family Size” That Isn’t
Manufacturers add the words “Family Pack” without increasing the weight.
Sometimes they even reduce it. The family just gets less for more.

3. The Deep-Bottom Container
Yogurt, humus, cosmetics, even detergent bottles often have a raised false floor inside. We think you’re buying volume — we’re really buying clever plastic engineering.

4. The Heavy Jar, Light Product
Producers use glass or weighted plastic so the product “feels premium.” The customer unconsciously equates heft with value

5. Sold by Weight, but Fluffed Up by Air
Breakfast cereals and snacks are filled with air to look generously full.
The weight is correct — but the visual impression suggests far more.

6. Frozen Food Glaze
Seafood is sprayed with a thin layer of ice. We pay for water, not fish. Industry term: “ice glazing”.

7. “With Bones” Cuts of Meat
The displayed price seems low — until you realise you’re paying full price for bone weight, not edible meat.

8. The Liquid “Concentrate” That Isn’t
Detergent labelled “Super Concentrate” comes in a smaller bottle.The customer thinks  it’s environmentally responsible — but the dose instructions quietly increase.

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SYNONYMS

AVOIRDUPOIS system, common weight system, imperial weight system, everyday weight measure, pounds-and-ounces system, trade weight system, U.S. customary weight system

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SMUGGLE
 OWAD into a conversation today, say something like:

“My trick for learning AVOIRDUPOIS is to remember that it sounds a bit like ‘avoid the pounds’. “

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P L E A S E   S U P P O R T   O W A D