A recent survey of 2,000 adults has discovered that younger generations are ditching traditional British phrases like ‘grub,’ ‘sarnie,’ and ‘pop’ for more fashionable alternatives such as ‘scran,’ ‘sub,’ and ‘soda’. Using ‘tea’ to refer to the evening meal, ‘nosh’ to talk about food generally, and ‘cuppa’ for a hot drink are also out of favour among under-29s, along with ‘squash.’
Even the formerly ubiquitous ‘sandwich’ is declining in usage, as young Britons progressively favour American-influenced options like ‘hoagie’ and ‘hero’.
A spokesperson from McDonald’s UK&I, which commissioned the research to mark the launch of its new RSPCA assured pork patty Sausage Sandwich on the Saver Menu, remarked: “Language is constantly evolving, and food slang is no exception.”
The research showed that family continues to be the principal driver of Gen Z’s vocabulary, surpassing both their regional background and social media, which placed second and third respectively.
Almost half of Gen Z believe they utilise more local food expressions than earlier generations. The other half acknowledge using such phrases ‘very often’ or ‘often’.
Throughout all age groups, the chief obstacles to adopting regional slang encompass insufficient exposure in daily discourse or assuming others won’t comprehend.
Across all ages, the main barriers to using regional slang include not hearing it enough in conversation or believing others won’t understand.
However, 40% are curious to know what unfamiliar regional food terms mean, with 18% looking them up online.
Overall, the research, carried out through OnePoll, found 70% believe regional food terms – whether they relate to breakfast, lunch, dinner, or specific foods or drinks – should be preserved as part of cultural heritage, even if they are declining in popularity.
One of the most striking regional variations is what people term a bread roll. Whilst ‘roll’ remains the most widespread expression across all areas, ‘cob’ is preferred in the West and East Midlands.
Up in the North West, ‘barm’ is the chosen term, whilst over in Yorkshire and Humber, they favour ‘teacake’.
The spokesperson for McDonald’s added: “Our Sausage Sandwich is already sparking its own naming debates – burger or sandwich.”