h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I believe in American culture, at least, that the part "Super" on "Supermarket" means that said establishment also is a purveyor of products beyond general foodstuffs.

Indeed a "supermarket" in Britain normally sells more than food, but most are predominately food based. The word 'super' in facts refers to the size of the outlet; in fact many would more correctly be called 'hyper'markets to refect their size.

"Super" refers to the fact that you need "Superhuman" abilities to steer the shopping trolleys.

Surely, on a Saturday, with too many people, noisy kids and colliding shopping trolleys, a supermarket is verily hell on earth!

Most sell items other than foodstuffs (or food-like substances); however, in the region near Austin, Texas, USA, there are some stores that the natives complained (until recently) didn't even sell things as useful as paper towels.

Supermarkets are called so because it is a superhuman feat of management to make
it so that everyone has a trolley, except you...