What does soda jerk mean?
Definitions for soda jerk
soda jerk
This dictionary definitions page includes all the possible meanings, example usage and translations of the word soda jerk.
Princeton's WordNet
soda jerk, soda jerkernoun
someone who works at a soda fountain
GCIDE
Soda jerknoun
a person who serves soda, ice cream, similar foods from behind a soda fountain.
Wiktionary
soda jerknoun
A person who works at a soda fountain.
ChatGPT
soda jerk
A soda jerk is an individual, typically in the early to mid 20th century, who served carbonated beverages and ice cream sodas at a soda fountain in a pharmacy or ice cream parlor. The term refers to the 'jerking' action the server would use to swing the soda fountain handle back and forth when dispensing the soda.
Wikidata
Soda jerk
A soda jerk is a person — typically a youth — who operates the soda fountain in a drugstore, often for the purpose of preparing and serving flavored soda water or an ice cream soda. This was made by putting flavored syrup into a specially designed tall glass, adding carbonated water and, finally, one or two scoops of ice cream. The result was served with a long-handled spoon, most commonly known as a "soda spoon", and drinking straws. The name soda jerk came from the "jerking" action the server would use to swing back and forth the soda fountain handle when adding the soda water. The soda fountain spigot itself typically was a sturdy, shiny fixture on the end of a metal pipe or other similar structure sticking out of the counter by several feet and curving towards where the glasses would be filled. The unflavored carbonated water was used to make all of the drinks. Consequently the tap handle was typically large, as a busy shop would have the soda jerker using it frequently. This made the mixing of drinks a center of activity at the soda counter. The position was highly coveted, and awarded only after several months or years of menial labor in the store. Some modern theme diners are styled after establishments from the 1950s and include an actual soda jerk, along with standard jukeboxes and booth seating.
Matched Categories
Numerology
Chaldean Numerology
The numerical value of soda jerk in Chaldean Numerology is: 7
Pythagorean Numerology
The numerical value of soda jerk in Pythagorean Numerology is: 2
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"soda jerk." Definitions.net. STANDS4 LLC, 2025. Web. 26 Jan. 2025. <https://www.definitions.net/definition/soda+jerk>.
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