Tinku learns mathematics !

Even before coming to Amrikaa, Tinku had heard about the 'immense' mathematical abilities of American kids and how some Indian software companies had spun out an entire business idea out of it.
But then, as they say...Tinku always realises the seriousness of things the hard way.
So it happens that Tinku heads to a famous eat-out chain of Amrikaa to have lunch. Now Tinku doesn't know much about the stuff to order, so in typical Indian style he watches fellow grub eaters at the counter for ideas.
The guy in front of Tinku heads to the counter and gets a sandwich , a coke and some French fries. He pays 3.5 $ and gets away with it.
Now diet conscious (or is it $$ conscious) don't eat french fries, so Tinku tells the lady...' One chicken sandwich and coke..thats it.'
The counterwallah: 'You wanna make it a meal ? '
Conscious Tinku : What's that ? .... Ans: You get a coke and french fries....
Tinku (after quick calculation of the rate of french fries with the latest ICICI bank exchange rates) : NOOO.. only sandwich and coke.

And then comes the big surprise..whattt,but the bill of course ! A staggering 4.5 $ .
Now now now... there might have been some mistake of course. Tinku asks the counterwallah about it, trying to get things settled. She says 'everythings fine.'
Hmmm...Tinku takes the hit and starts eating anyways..

And then , tinku sees the posters above and deciphers the secret...
The catch : One word - Meal !!!
It seems if you say you want a meal and get the coke+french fries , you would be billed 3.5. But if you are anti-French due to some reason and say you won't eat french fries,you pay a simple 1 $ premium... Cool naa.. Welcome to America !