Lunch counter and diner history
The term lunch counter was first recorded in 1869 in the United States, and became known known as luncheonette in the 1930s.Many diner slang terms were launched from ethnic roots that might not be considered politically correct these days, and others were linked to their digestional reaction.
Some waiter to cook shorthand has become a standard part of our language, such as mayo, BLT, and stack (of pancakes). You may still hear some of the old slang terms in quaint luncheonettes and soda shoppes in smaller old cities in the United States, as well as in some newer retro diners where nostalgia is the gimmick of choice.
For lunch counter and diner slang definitions, refer to the Lunch Counter Lingo Glossary.
More About Lunch Counter Lingo:
• Breaking the Code: Definitions and Diner Recipes
• Lunch Lingo - Diner Slang
• Lunch Counter and Diner History
• Lunch Counter Lingo Glossary
