Subs, Hoagies, and Grinders: Exploring the Linguistic Tapestry of the US

The United States is comprised of numerous regions – the Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, Southwest, and West – and each one has its own unique customs. Whether it's serving up local dishes or using different names for the same object, what often defines these regions is their dialect or language. What you may call a hero, someone else might refer to as a sub. This is only one of the many differences in the linguistic tapestry of the U.S.

To assemble this list where we explore the linguistic tapestry of the U.S., 24/7 Tempo consulted sources such as Slangcity, the blog Grammarphobia, Vocabulary.com, and media sources including Reader's Digest.

This list is by no means comprehensive because that is impossible in this format. But, it should give you a sense of the beautiful variety that exists in the U.S. (Be sure to read Slang and Phrases Only Southerners Understand.)

Here is an exploration of the linguistic tapestry of the U.S.:

Biscuit

Where used: Most of the US
Synonym: Saddle horn
Where synonym is used: Wyoming

Car with one headlight

Where used: Most of the US
Synonym: Padiddle
Where synonym is used: Midwest, East, West

Catfish

Where used: Most of the US
Synonym: Hornpout
Where synonym is used: New Hampshire

Cicadas

Where used: Much of the US
Synonym: Jar flies
Where synonym is used: Appalachia

Diagonally across

Where used: Most of the US
Synonym: Catty-corner, kitty-corner
Where synonym is used: Nebraska, New Jersey

Earthquake and tornado

Where used: Most of the US
Synonym: Quakenado
Where synonym is used: Oklahoma

Fireflies

Where used: West Coast and New Jersey
Synonym: Lightning bugs
Where synonym is used: East Coast

Frosting

Where used: Most of the US
Synonym: Icing
Where synonym is used: Much of the US

Garbage can

Where used: Northern US
Synonym: Trash can
Where synonym is used: Southern US

Glove compartment

Where used: Most of the US
Synonym: Jockey box
Where synonym is used: Idaho

Highways

Where used: Most of the US
Synonym: Freeways
Where synonym is used: West Coast

Hospital gown

Where used: Most of the US
Synonym: Johnny
Where synonym is used: Massachusetts

Jungle juice

Where used: Most US colleges
Synonym: Wapatuli
Where synonym is used: Wisconsin

Laundromat

Where used: Most of the US
Synonym: Washateria
Where synonym is used: Texas

Lollipop

Where used: Northeast
Synonym: Sucker
Where synonym is used: South and Midwest

Meat and three side dishes

Where used: Most of the US
Synonym: Meat and three
Where synonym is used: Tennessee

North Carolina

Where used: Most of the US
Synonym: North Cackalacky
Where synonym is used: North Carolina

Pothole

Where used: North
Synonym: Chughole
Where synonym is used: South

Prairie dog

Where used: Most of the US
Synonym: Whistle pig
Where synonym is used: Idaho

Silk

Where used: Most of the US
Synonym: Barbed wire
Where synonym is used: Wyoming

Soda

Where used: Northeast and West
Synonym: Pop/Coke
Where synonym is used: Midwest/South

Sprinkles

Where used: Most of the US
Synonym: Jimmies
Where synonym is used: New England

Submarine sandwiches

Where used: New Jersey, Connecticut
Synonym: Heroes/grinders/hoagies
Where synonym is used: New York City/New England/Pennsylvania

Tennis shoes

Where used: Most of the US
Synonym: Sneakers
Where synonym is used: Northeast and Florida

Tipping

Where used: Most of the US
Synonym: Toke
Where synonym is used: Nevada

Traffic circle

Where used: Most of the US
Synonym: Roundabouts/rotaries
Where synonym is used: West and South/New England

Unconventional

Where used: Most of the US
Synonym: Cattywampus
Where synonym is used: Much of South

Vacuum

Where used: Most of US
Synonym: Sweeper
Where synonym is used: Midwest

Yard sale or garage sale

Where used: Most of US
Synonym: Jumble sale
Where synonym is used: Washington