The term lunch counter was first recorded in 1869 in the United States, and became known as a luncheonette in the 1930s. Many terms were launched from local and ethnic roots that might be considered politically incorrect these days, and others were linked to their digestion reaction. Some waiter or cook shorthand has become a standard part of our language, such as mayo, BLT, and stack (of pancakes). You may still hear some of the old slang terms in quaint Luncheonettes and Soda Shoppe's in smaller old cities in the United States, as well as in some newer retro diners where nostalgia is the gimmick of choice. ( Our Towns )
Now that I have figured all this out, you just might want to learn a little Diner Lingo in case you have the occasion to check out one of the old mom and pop hash houses or newer retro diners, so you can have a little fun with your waiter or waitress. Some of these definitions are sure to bring a smile, if not stir some memories. Oh Good Old Times Never Forgotten..
OK, None of this is really meant to be offence, Only a small bit of fun and real lingo from here and our travels.. So sit back and read and get ready to laugh or just what ever you have to do best. Get ready to learn the famous Diner Lingo eaver presented. Beleave me, most of this is true. Try it and see!!
Axle grease or Skid grease: Butter.
Baby, moo juice, Sweet Alice or cow juice: Milk.
Belch water: Seltzer or soda water.
Blue-plate special: A dish of meat, potato, and vegetable served on a plate (usually blue) sectioned in three parts.
Bossy in a bowl: Beef stew, so called because "Bossy" was a common name for a cow.
Bowl of red: A bowl of chili con carne, so called for its deep red color.
Bun pup: A hot dog.
Burn one: Put a hamburger on the grill.
Chopper: A table knife.
City juice: Water.
Cowboy: A western omelet or sandwich.
Cow feed: A salad.
Creep: Draft beer.
Deadeye: Poached egg.
Dough well done with cow to cover: Buttered toast.
Draw one: Coffee.
Fifty-five: A glass of root beer.
Fly cake or roach cake: A raisin cake or huckleberry pie.
Go for a walk: An order to be packed and taken out.
Gravel train: Sugar bowl.
Graveyard stew: Milk toast.
Groundhog: Hot dog.
High and dry: A plain sandwich without butter, mayonnaise, or lettuce.
In the alley: Serve as a side dish.
Java or Joe: Coffee.
Lumber: A toothpick.
Mike and Ike or the twins: Salt and pepper shakers.
Mud or Omurk: Black coffee.
No cow: Without milk.
On the hoof: Meat done rare.
Pair of drawers: Two cups of coffee.
Sand: Sugar.
Sea dust: Salt.
Sinkers and suds: Doughnuts and coffee.
Vermont: Maple syrup, because maple syrup comes primarily from Vermont.
Warts: Olives.
Wreath: Cabbage.
Wreck 'em: Scramble the eggs.
Zeppelins in a fog: Sausages in mashed potatoes.
