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From: jgpo@iwu1c.UUCP (John, KA9MNK)
Newsgroups: net.nlang
Subject: Regional expressions
Message-ID: <221@iwu1c.UUCP>
Date: Wed, 21-Mar-84 14:59:34 EST
Article-I.D.: iwu1c.221
Posted: Wed Mar 21 14:59:34 1984
Date-Received: Thu, 22-Mar-84 01:41:23 EST
Organization: AT&T Bell Labs, Naperville, IL
Lines: 25

Here in northeastern Illinois, "pop" refers to that sweet, fizzy water
with a dab of artificial coloring and a modicum of flavor.  "Soda" refers
either to the ice-cream-based beverage or to carbonated water, depending
on context.  "Tonic," when used in the context of potable substances,
invariably refers to quinine water.

In Michigan's Upper Peninsula, carbonated water is called "seltzer."  If
you make the mistake of ordering, say, a "brandy and soda,"  you will get
(1) an strange look, and then (2) brandy with 7-Up.  Yechhh!!  I know; I've
done it.  Around here, "seltzer" doesn't get you into trouble; you get the
drink you expect, but "soda" is more commonly heard.

I'd never heard of calling a water fountain a "bubbler" before, but I kind
of like it.  It sounds friendlier.  It's descriptive, too.  What's the
water doing?  It's bubbling up out of the pipe, of course.

Let's hear (well, see) some more regionalisms; they're fun and interesting.


	John Opalko
	AT&T Bell Labs
	Naperville, IL