soda jerk
Malt shop worker
A soda jerk is a person who operates a soda fountain, mixing and serving drinks, ice cream sodas, and sundaes.
The term dates from the early twentieth century, when drugstores commonly had soda fountains and the job involved jerking the tap handles to dispense carbonated water.
Now largely historical: My grandfather worked as a soda jerk during high school.
Device that releases portions
- pumpFluid-moving machine
- mixingCombining into one mass
- scoopingLifting with curved tool
- pouringFlowing in volume
concoction · fountain · syrup · glasses · straws · scoop · sundae · parfait
Flat service surface
- stoolBackless sitting furniture
- boothTemporary enclosed compartment
- fountainWater-spouting structure
- chromeReflective metal coating
jukebox · linoleum · neon · Americana · specials · waitress · grill · short-order
Unflavored carbonated water
- carbonationGas dissolved in liquid
- phosphatePO₄ ion compound
- egg creamFizzy milk with syrup
- root beer floatIce cream in soda
cherry cola · vanilla cola · syrup · flavoring · fizz · bubbles · effervescence · fountain drink
Identical throughout
- bow tieLooped neckwear forming wings
- apronWaist-tied protective garment
- counter serviceOrder and collect yourself
- pharmacistMedicine dispensing professional
druggist · drugstore · apprentice · teenager · summer job · tips · customers · regulars
Decade after WWII
- poodle skirtAppliquéd circular garment, mid-century
- sock hopInformal school dance
- drive-inVenue serving seated motorists
- greaserMachinery lubricator or fifties tough
rockabilly · oldies · bobby socks · letterman jacket · vinyl records · classic cars · hot rod · pin-up
dispenser
Device that releases portions
pouring · concoction · fountain · syrup · glasses · straws · scoop · sundae · parfait · banana split
counter
Flat service surface
chrome · jukebox · linoleum · neon · Americana · specials · waitress · grill · short-order · menu
seltzer
Unflavored carbonated water
- carbonationGas dissolved in liquid
- phosphatePO₄ ion compound
- egg creamFizzy milk with syrup
root beer float · cherry cola · vanilla cola · syrup · flavoring · fizz · bubbles · effervescence · fountain drink · lime rickey
uniform
Identical throughout
- bow tieLooped neckwear forming wings
- apronWaist-tied protective garment
- counter serviceOrder and collect yourself
pharmacist · druggist · drugstore · apprentice · teenager · summer job · tips · customers · regulars · orders
1950s
Decade after WWII
- poodle skirtAppliquéd circular garment, mid-century
- sock hopInformal school dance
- drive-inVenue serving seated motorists
greaser · rockabilly · oldies · bobby socks · letterman jacket · vinyl records · classic cars · hot rod · pin-up · Elvis
- diner staffwaiter, waitress, server, cook, busboy
- Old Jobsblacksmith, farrier, wheelwright, chandler, apothecary
- soda fountainmilkshake, malt, float, sundae, root beer float
- service workersserver, waiter, waitress, bartender, barista
- beverage workersbartenders, bartender, brewers, barkeep, distillers
- workersworkers, employee, employees, laborer, laborers
soda jerkbarista
Professional café drink maker
bartender · sommelier · mixologist · wine steward · food truck operator
jerk, soda, jerky, jerked, sodas, jerking, jerkiness, jerkwater, jerkin