[DabbyDabberson]

Having grown up in the northern panhandle, you really have to look at is a tri state area. PA, OH, and WV.

It’s extremely distinct from the rest of WV below the mason dixon line.

The original capital of WV was actually Wheeling, in the northern panhandle, but it was eventually moved south to Charleston because of the disconnect.

In the 19 years I lived there I never heard anyone say anything but “pop” to refer to carbonated soft drinks. It’s also part of my dialect that has stuck around.

I think the most distinctive word used in the region is that shopping carts are referred to as “buggies”. I didn’t even realize that was unusual until I went shopping with friends in college…

[wpietri]

Thanks! I really appreciate the direct report.

My dad, who grew up in Milwaukee, was shocked to learn that the thing he knew as a "bubbler" was everywhere else called a "water fountain". Like you, he didn't know until college.

[rippercushions]

Oddly, "bubbler" is the standard term in Australia as well.