dialectlyregional american english
SearchRegionsMap
AboutRegionsSoda vs pop vs cokeMapSuggest a wordMobileDonateVolunteerPartnersInstagram (soloviy)ContactPrivacyTermsllms.txt
Dialectly — a dictionary of American regional English. Free, open, growing.
HomeSearchRegionsMapSuggest
Home/Pennsylvania/water ice

water ice

Regional

Meaning
Italian-style flavored shaved ice, pronounced 'wooder ice' in Philly.
Type
Regionalism
Used in
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware

What does “water ice” mean

Italian immigrant street vendors popularized the treat in Philly in the early 20th century. Philadelphians distinctly call it 'water ice' (not Italian ice or slush) and pronounce it 'wooder ice' because Philly English raises the first syllable of 'water.'

Where it's used

More from this region

yinzn'atjagoffredd upgum bandjumboslippyjawnwooderyousehoagiepop

Comments

Loading comments…