Dialect meme, ga*ked from everyone

[darcydodo]

I grew up in LA; both my parents are from California, but my dad's from the north and my mom's from the south. I lived for four years in England, and that certainly informs my idiolect, but for the particular questions asked here I'm definitely able to differentiate between inherited and actively learned.

1. A body of water, smaller than a river

Comments

[linley]

I believe that fireflies are called lightning bugs in some areas.

[rubrick]

Both terms were in use where I grew up (southern Ohio), with firefly predominating.

[chimerically]

Swimsuits were "cozzies" (or is that cossies?) in South Africa (short for swim costume).

Lightning bugs were very different than fireflies in Utah -- they were Box Elder Beetles, and had a vaguely lightning-shaped orange line cutting across their black backs.

Carbonated beverages are "pop" in Utah, regardless of class -- it's a regional thing.

[chimerically]

Oh, and mosquitoes were mozzies in SAfrica. I used to call them skeeters.

[cwinant]

5. The piece of furniture that seats three people.
I call it a couch when I am contemplating sitting on it, and a sofa when I am shopping for one,

8. Carbonated, sweetened, non-alcoholic beverages.
I hear that in Georgia, all such beverages are called 'Coke'.

10. A long sandwich designed to be a whole meal in itself.
Does banh mi count?

11. The piece of clothing worn by men at the beach.
Bathing suit, but probably because I grew up in a house of 3 women and 1 man (dad). Anyway, he wears speedos. He's french.

13. Putting a room in order.
Cleaning

15. The little insect that curls up into a ball.
Pillbug

17. How do you eat your pizza?
When I get to eat yuppie pizza at a Chez Panisse spin-off, I use a knife and fork.

[jholomorphic]

3. depends on the shape; even before I knew the word, I never would have called a "tiffin" a "lunch box".