Coffee & Italian Soda Syrups

Diner Lingo is a kind of verbal shorthand used by cooks and chefs in diners and diner-style restaurants, as well as waffle houses. more...

History

The origin of the lingo is unknown, but there is evidence suggesting it may have been used by African-American waiters as early as the 1870s and 1880s. Many of the terms used are lighthearted and tongue-in-cheek and some are a bit racy or ribald, but are helpful mnemonic devices for short-order cooks and staff. Diner slang was most popular from the 1920s to the 1970s.

Today, diner lingo is not as prevalent as it was in the past because the rise of the fast food industry has in large part replaced the diner. Also, the use of computerized order systems has eliminated the need for wait staff to "call" orders. However, the use of restaurant diner lingo is still present in small towns as well as retro-style restaurants and is a colorful part of Americana.

Restaurant/Diner Lingo List

A blonde with sand: coffee with cream and sugar

A Murphy: a potato, so called because of their association with the Irish diet of potatoes, Murphy being a common Irish name

A spot with a twist: a cup of tea with lemon

A stack of Vermont: pancakes with maple syrup

An M.D.: a Dr Pepper

Adam & Eve on a raft: two poached eggs on toast

Adam's Ale: water

All hot: baked potato

Angel: sandwich man

Angels on horseback: oysters rolled in bacon on toast

B and B: bread and butter

B.L.T.: bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwich

Bailed hay: shredded wheat

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