Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10.1 exptools 1/6/84; site iwu1c.UUCP Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!burl!ulysses!harpo!ihnp4!iwu1c!jgpo 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