Across the United States, people use all sorts of different words for the same things and these regional dialect differences create quite the debate when people from different areas get together. What you call a carbonated drink or the name of that glowing insect in your backyard is often very different, depending on where you grew up. Here are twelve examples of regional dialect debates that divide Americans. There’s no one “right” way—just many different ones!
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Soda, Pop, or Coke?
Depending on where you are in the U.S., fizzy drinks have a different name. In the Northeast & along the West Coast, people usually call it “soda” but head to the Midwest and you’ll hear “pop” instead. Down South, you might be surprised to find that people use “coke” as a general term for any soft drink, even if it’s not Coca-Cola. It’s amazing how a simple beverage can have so many names across the country!
Sub, Hoagie, Hero, or Grinder?
That long sandwich filled with meats, cheeses, and veggies has several names depending on the region, with people in Philadelphia calling it a “hoagie.” New Yorkers might order a “hero” while in New England, you might ask for a “grinder” and the term “sub” is common in many areas like the South & Midwest. No matter what you call it, everyone agrees that it’s a tasty meal!
Y’all vs. You Guys
Even talking to a group of people is different because in the South, “y’all” is the go-to plural form of “you,” while in the North & West, people often say “you guys.” In Pittsburgh, some people use “yinz” and it’s a term that’s unique to that area—people in other places are usually quite shocked to hear it! There are even alternate versions, like “all y’all,” for example.
Crawfish, Crayfish, or Crawdad?
Small freshwater crustaceans also go by several names because people in Louisiana and the South usually call them a “crawfish.” But up North & in the Midwest, people might say “crayfish”—it gets even stranger when you realize that people in Western states call them “crawdad.” How can such an animal have so many different names?!
Water Fountain or Bubbler?
Most Americans refer to the machine that gives you water as a “water fountain,” although people in parts of Wisconsin or Rhode Island may refer to it as a “bubbler.” This unique word has historical roots in those areas and is still used today but only in the Midwest. Asking for a “bubbler” elsewhere will probably get you some curious looks!
Pecan Pronunciation
The way people say “pecan” varies a lot as some people pronounce it “pee-can” while others say “puh-kahn.” This difference is often split between regions but even within the same state, you might hear both versions—there are also other versions of it. Some people put the emphasis on the first syllable and other people put it on the second one instead.
Caramel Pronunciation
Another word with multiple pronunciations is “caramel” because some people say “car-mel” with two syllables and others say it “care-a-mel” with three syllables. The two-syllable version is common in Western states while the three-syllable one is one you’ll often hear in the East. The pronunciation really depends on where you live or grew up—but the food tastes delicious everywhere!
Sneakers or Tennis Shoes?
When talking about athletic footwear, some people use the word “sneakers” and that’s especially true in the Northeast. In the Midwest and South, you might hear “tennis shoes” even if the shoes aren’t meant for tennis because they use the term generally to talk about footwear. You may hear other variations as well, like “kicks,” “athletic shoes” or even “runners!”
Roundabout, Traffic Circle, or Rotary?
Those circular intersections are starting to be more common in America and they have different names around the country. In the West and Midwest, they’re often called “roundabouts,” just like the Europeans call them—but in parts of the Mid-Atlantic, people might refer to them as “traffic circles.” In New England, you’re more likely to hear the term “rotary” and whatever the local word is, you should know it so that you’re able to ask for directions!
Firefly or Lightning Bug?
People in the West and Northeast call those glowing insects that light up summer evenings “fireflies” yet in the South and Midwest, people often use the term “lightning bug.” No matter what you call them, catching these insects in jars is a cherished childhood memory for many. You may even hear the word “glowworms” in some particular areas.
Bag vs. Sack
At the grocery store, you might ask for a “bag” or a “sack” depending on where you are and in the Midwest and parts of the South, people commonly use the term “sack.” Elsewhere, “bag” is the standard term but really, there’s no right way to refer to these. Your name for it will also affect what you call the people who help you pack yours—are they “bag boys” or “sackers”?
Parking Garage or Ramp
In most parts of America, we call a multi-level structure for parking cars a “parking garage,” although people in parts of the Upper Midwest have a different name for it, especially in Minnesota. They’ll refer to it as a “ramp” and that means something rather different in other places of the country. Who knew something so simple could have such different names?
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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