Aldi has built a perception of itself as an unpretentious supermarket for the cost-conscious. And by using techniques typical of challenger brands – through self-effacing humour and the use of ‘real people’ in ad campaigns – it’s capturing the hearts (and wallets) of the British public.

In China, calling someone a diaosi – which directly translates as ’penis hair’ – isn’t an insult. On the contrary, millions of Chinese in dead-end jobs, with no car, house or girlfriend identify with the term, wearing it as a badge of honour. But could self-deprecation be a danger to society?

Success can be a poisoned chalice for an indie brand. One minute you’re the little known underdog everyone loves, the next you’re the giant corporation owned by the man. Craft beer brand Brewdog is learning this the hard way, as it faces criticism for rapid market growth.

Why are Indian families shrinking? What’s to become of the tradition of the home-cooked family meal? And how are Dalits fighting against age-old inequalities? This Cultural Snapshot uses local statistics and case studies to explore behavioural norms shared by Indian people in 2016.