Do you call it a “sub” or a “hoagie”? Is it a “soda” or a “pop”? The United States is a melting pot of cultures and linguistic quirks. From regional dialects to local slang, here are 15 everyday items that go by different names depending on where you are in this vast country.
Soft Drinks: Soda, Pop, or Coke
What do you call a carbonated beverage? The answer might depend on which state you’re in. In the Northeast and West, it’s predominantly called “soda.” In the Midwest and Northwest, “pop” is the preferred term. And in much of the South, every carbonated drink, regardless of brand or flavor, is a “Coke.”
Sub Sandwiches: Sub, Grinder, Hoagie, or Hero
This long sandwich filled with meats, cheeses, and veggies goes by many names. “Sub” is universally understood, but venture into New England, and it becomes a “grinder.” In Philadelphia, it’s a “hoagie,” in New York, you’d order a “hero.”
Athletic Shoes: Sneakers or Tennis Shoes
“Sneakers” and “tennis shoes” are the go-to terms for comfy low canvas-top shoes with rubber soles. Folks in the Northeast and South Florida lean towards “sneakers,” while the rest of the country prefers “tennis shoes.”
The Night Before Halloween: Mischief Night, Cabbage Night, Devil’s Night, or Gate Night
The night before Halloween, when kids and teens engage in playful pranks, is named differently across regions. In New Jersey, it’s known as “Mischief Night,” while Detroit refers to it as “Devil’s Night.” Midwesterners may call it “Gate Night,” but in parts of New England and Ohio, it’s known as “Cabbage Night.”
Knitted Cap: Beanie vs. Stocking Cap vs. Toboggan
A knitted cap worn to keep the head warm in cold weather has different names depending on the region. A “beanie” is standard in the West and Northeast, a “stocking cap” is used in the Midwest and South, and a “toboggan” is primarily used in the South.
Drinking Fountain: Bubbler, Water Fountain, or Drinking Fountain
Need a drink? The device you get water from might be a “water fountain,” “drinking fountain,” or even a “bubbler” if you’re in parts of Wisconsin or Rhode Island. Though localized, “bubbler” is a beloved word in its respective regions.
Traffic Circles: Roundabouts, Traffic Circles, or Rotaries
A circular intersection that facilitates traffic flow is known as a “roundabout” in many places. However, it can also be called a “rotary” in parts of New England and a “traffic circle” in other areas.
Pancakes vs. Flapjacks vs. Hotcakes
Most Americans eat “pancakes,” but step into a diner in some places, and you might see “hotcakes” or “flapjacks” on the menu. The difference is more about tradition than geography, though “flapjacks” have an old-fashioned ring.
Brown-Bagging Lunch: Sack Lunch or Brown-Bag Lunch
Packing a lunch in a paper bag can be referred to as a “sack lunch” in some regions and a “brown-bag lunch” in others, illustrating even small daily activities can have regional language variations.
Fireflies or Lightning Bugs
According to the Indy Star, research reveals that “firefly” is the predominant term in the Western and New England regions. At the same time, the “lightning bug” is favored by individuals from the Midwest and the South.
Crawfish, Crayfish, or Crawdads
Small, freshwater crustaceans are enjoyed as culinary delicacies across the UU.S.They are known as “crawfish” in the South, “crayfish” in scientific and Northeast circles, and “crawdads” in the Central and Southwestern regions.
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Tag Sale, Garage Sale, or Yard Sale
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Selling personal items from your property has different names. In most of the U.S., it’s known as a “garage sale.” In the Southeast, the term “yard sale” is preferred. In a specific area of Wisconsin, it’s called a “rummage sale,” highlighting the act of sifting through others’ old belongings. Meanwhile, in a small section of the Northeast, they uniquely term it a “tag sale.”
Shopping Carts or Buggy
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According to Allrecipes in a Harvard Dialect Study, while “shopping cart” is favored in most Northern and Western UU.S. states, Southerners (excluding Floridians) typically opt for the term “buggy.”
Yard vs. Garden vs. Lawn
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The area around a house where grass, plants, and flowers are grown varies in name. “Yard” is used nationwide, “garden” is more common in the South, and “lawn” is prevalent in the Northeast and Midwest.
Pecan Pronunciation
It’s not a different name, but how you pronounce “pecan” varies widely in the U.S. from “puh-CON” to “PEE-can.” This shows that even the way we say the name of a nut can reveal where we come from.
These linguistic differences not only add to the richness of American English but also serve as a reminder of the vast and varied cultural landscape that makes up the UU.S.They offer a charming glimpse into local customs and regional identities, reinforcing that America is a melting pot of cultures and languages.
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