26 Linguistic Maps That Divide Americans

All the maps here are the work of Josh Katz.

The first 9 are from his book Speaking American: How Y’all, Youse, and You Guys Talk: a Visual Guide and the rest are from his earlier work as a PhD student in statistics at North Carolina State University.

The maps have been featured in all sorts of publications such as the Readers Digest, Daily Mail (here and here), Business Insider and are endlessly republished on Reddit.

They really fall into the category of Brilliant Maps and so I strongly urge you to go and buy his book here.

Starting with the map at the top of the page:

Fireflies vs Lightning Bugs

1. Western U.S. (Fireflies):
   • The term “fireflies” is predominantly used across the western half of the United States.
   • This aligns with trends showing younger Americans favoring “fireflies.”
2. Eastern and Central U.S. (Lightning Bugs):
   • The term “lightning bugs” dominates the eastern, southern and central parts of the country.
   • This reflects a more traditional or localized preference in these areas.
3. New York City Split:
   • There’s a unique split in New York City: Manhattan prefers “fireflies,” while Staten Island leans toward “lightning bugs.”

Other terms for “fireflies” and “lightning bugs” include:

1. Glowworms: While technically different species, the term “glowworm” is sometimes used interchangeably in casual speech for fireflies or lightning bugs, especially in certain regions.
2. Luciérnagas: The Spanish term for fireflies, commonly used in Spanish-speaking communities.
3. Lampyridae: The scientific family name for fireflies/lightning bugs.
4. Bug-lights: A colloquial or rare term some might use for the glowing insects.

Garage vs Yard vs Rummage vs Tag Sale

• Garage Sale (Western and Central U.S.):
  • The term “garage sale” is heavily used in the western and central parts of the United States.
• Yard Sale (Southeast and Mid-Atlantic):
  • The term “yard sale” is most popular in the southeastern United States and parts of the Mid-Atlantic, indicating a cultural preference in these areas.
• Rummage Sale (Upper Midwest):
  • “Rummage sale” appears in the upper Midwest, especially in Wisconsin reflecting a localized terminology for the same activity.
• Tag Sale (Northeast):
  • “Tag sale” is specific to a small area in the northeastern United States, particularly western Massachusetts and Connecticut.

Other terms for the same activity include:

• Jumble Sale (commonly used in British English and less in the U.S.).
• Car Boot Sale (used in the U.K., where items are sold from the trunk of a car, not applicable to the U.S. region).
• White Elephant Sale (used in some English-speaking countries for events organized by organizations for fundraising).

Garbage Can Vs Trash Can

 

 

1. Garbage Can (Northern U.S.):
   • The term “garbage can” is predominantly used in the northern regions of the United States, including the Midwest, Northeast, and parts of the Pacific Northwest.
2. Trash Can (Southern U.S.):
   • “Trash can” dominates the southern and central regions of the United States, as well as parts of the West.

Other Terms Used in English-Speaking Countries:

1. Bin (Common in the U.K., Australia, and New Zealand):
   • A general term for any kind of container for waste, often paired with modifiers like “rubbish bin” or “wheelie bin.”
2. Rubbish Bin (U.K.):
   • Frequently used in British English to describe a trash/garbage can.
3. Wheelie Bin (U.K., Australia, New Zealand):
   • Refers specifically to a large, wheeled bin typically used for curbside waste collection.
4. Dustbin (U.K.):
   • A more old-fashioned British term, still understood but less commonly used.
5. Litter Bin (U.K.):
   • Often used for public trash containers, particularly for small-scale litter.
6. Wastebasket (U.S., Canada):
   • A smaller, indoor trash can, usually found in offices or bathrooms.
7. Trash Barrel (Some U.S. regions, rural areas):
   • Refers to a larger container for waste, typically outdoors.

You Guys vs Y’All

• You Guys (Western and Northern U.S.):
  • “You guys” is the most widely used term in the western, northern, and some midwestern parts of the United States. It’s considered a gender-neutral plural pronoun in these regions.
• Y’all (Southern U.S.):
  • “Y’all” is commonly used in the southern states and is deeply tied to Southern American English. It is a contraction of “you all” and is widely accepted as a plural second-person pronoun.
• Yinz (Pittsburgh Area):
  • “Yinz” is a regional term used in Pittsburgh and parts of western Pennsylvania. It stems from Scots-Irish linguistic influence.
• Youse (New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania):
  • “Youse” is heard in certain parts of New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. It likely originates from Irish and Italian immigrant communities.
• You All (Kentucky):
  • “You all” is used as an alternative to “y’all” in some regions, including parts of Kentucky, reflecting a mix of Southern and Midwestern influences.

Similar Terms in Other English-Speaking Countries:

1. You Lot (U.K., Australia, New Zealand):
   • Commonly used as a plural pronoun, especially in informal contexts.
2. Youse (Ireland, U.K., Australia):
   • This term is also found in Irish English, as well as some Australian and British dialects, where it serves as a plural form of “you.”
3. You All (U.K., Australia):
   • Similar to “you all” in the U.S., used to address a group but less common.
4. Ye (Ireland, Scotland):
   • Used in Irish and Scottish English, a plural form that has historical ties to Old English and Middle English.
5. You Mob (Australia, Aboriginal English):
   • Used in some Aboriginal communities to refer to a group of people.
6. You Lads/Lasses (U.K., Northern Regions):
   • Occasionally used in northern parts of England or Scotland, with “lads” for groups of males and “lasses” for females.

Semi vs Tractor Trailer vs Eighteen-Wheeler

1. Semi/Semitruck (Western and Central U.S.):
   • The term “semi” or “semitruck” is widely used in the western and central United States. It’s a shortened form of “semi-trailer truck.”
2. Tractor Trailer (Northeastern U.S.):
   • “Tractor trailer” is the preferred term in the northeastern United States. This reflects a formal or descriptive naming convention, focusing on the vehicle’s structure (tractor and trailer).
3. Eighteen-Wheeler (Southern U.S.):
   • In the southern United States, the term “eighteen-wheeler” is popular, referring to the truck’s 18 wheels. It emphasizes the vehicle’s size and scale.

Other Similar Terms Used in English-Speaking Countries:

1. Lorry (U.K., Ireland):
   • The standard British English term for a large truck or freight vehicle. It is widely used across the U.K. and Ireland.
2. Articulated Lorry (U.K.):
   • A more specific British term equivalent to “tractor trailer,” referring to a truck with a separate cab and trailer.
3. Road Train (Australia):
   • Common in Australia, this refers to a truck pulling multiple trailers, often used in remote or rural areas.
4. Truck (General, Australia/New Zealand):
   • The generic term “truck” is commonly used in Australia and New Zealand for large freight vehicles.
5. Rig (Canada/U.S.):
   • “Rig” or Big Rig is sometimes used in Canada and parts of the U.S. to describe large trucks or tractor-trailers, emphasizing their utility and size.
6. Transport (Canada):
   • In Canada, “transport” or transport truck may be used as shorthand for tractor-trailer trucks.

Drinking Fountain vs Water Fountain vs Bubbler

1. Drinking Fountain (Western U.S.):
   • The term “drinking fountain” is predominantly used in the western U.S., particularly in states like Utah, Colorado, and surrounding areas and also oddly in Michigan.
2. Water Fountain (Southern and Eastern U.S.):
   • “Water fountain” is the most commonly used term across the southern and eastern parts of the U.S., reflecting a general preference for this simpler, descriptive term.
3. Bubbler (Wisconsin and New England):
   • “Bubbler” is a highly regionalized term, primarily used in Wisconsin and parts of New England. It stems from historical branding by a specific water fountain manufacturer.

Other Similar Terms Used in English-Speaking Countries:

1. Drinking Tap (Australia):
   • In some parts of Australia, public drinking fountains may be referred to as “drinking taps,” focusing on the water source.
2. Water Trough (Historical, U.K., Australia):
   • In historical contexts, particularly in rural areas, “water troughs” were used as public drinking sources, though primarily for animals.
3. Public Fountain (U.K., Europe):
   • In the U.K. and some European countries, “public fountain” is sometimes used for decorative or functional water features providing drinking water.
4. Spring (New Zealand):
   • Natural water sources, such as springs, are colloquially referred to as drinking spots in some areas.

 

Soda vs Pop vs Coke vs Soft Drink

I actually have a post dedicated to the topic using more up-to-date data which you can read here: Soda Vs Pop Vs Coke Map Of The US.

1. Soda (Western U.S., Northeast):
   • The term “soda” is widely used in the western United States, including California, Nevada, and other nearby states. It is also popular in the northeast including New York and Massachusetts.
2. Pop (Midwest and Northwest):
   • “Pop” is the dominant term in the Midwest, including states like Ohio, Michigan, and and parts of Illinois, as well as in parts of the Pacific Northwest.
3. Coke (Southern U.S.):
   • In the southern United States, “coke” is often used generically to refer to any carbonated soft drink, not just Coca-Cola. This reflects the cultural and historical influence of Coca-Cola, which originated in the South.
4. Cocola (Small Southern Pockets):
   • “Cocola,” a regional pronunciation variation of “Coca-Cola,” is used in specific areas of the South to refer to soft drinks.
5. Soft Drink (Various Regions):
   • “Soft drink” is a formal or generic term used in some areas, often in contexts like restaurants or advertisements.

Other Similar Terms Used in English-Speaking Countries:

1. Fizzy Drink (U.K., Ireland):
   • Commonly used in British and Irish English to refer to carbonated beverages.
2. Cool Drink (South Africa, Australia):
   • In South Africa and parts of Australia, “cool drink” is used to describe non-alcoholic carbonated drinks.
3. Lemonade (Australia, New Zealand, U.K.):
   • In Australia, New Zealand, and the U.K., “lemonade” is often used as a generic term for clear, carbonated soft drinks, regardless of flavor.
4. Tonic (New England, U.S.):
   • In some older communities in New England, “tonic” was historically used to describe soda but is now largely outdated.
5. Mineral (Ireland):
   • In Irish English, “mineral” is sometimes used as a generic term for carbonated drinks.
6. Softie (New Zealand):
   • An informal term occasionally used in New Zealand to describe soft drinks.

Sneakers vs Tennis Shoes

1. Tennis Shoes (Midwest, South, West):
   • The term “tennis shoes” is the most commonly used term across the majority of the United States, especially in the Midwest, South, and western states. It has become a generalized term for athletic footwear, regardless of its specific use.
2. Sneakers (Northeastern U.S.):
   • “Sneakers” is widely used in the northeastern United States, including states like New York, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. This term has a strong historical presence in the region.
3. Gym Shoes (Chicago and Cincinnati):
   • In localized areas such as Chicago and Cincinnati, the term “gym shoes” is preferred, likely emphasizing their use in athletic or indoor gym settings.
4. Shoes (Hawaii):
   • In Hawaii, people often refer to all types of footwear simply as “shoes,” regardless of their purpose or design.

Other Similar Terms Used in English-Speaking Countries:

1. Trainers (U.K., Ireland, Australia, New Zealand):
   • In British and Commonwealth English, “trainers” is the standard term for athletic shoes.
2. Runners (Canada, Australia, Ireland):
   • “Runners” or running shoes is commonly used in Canada, Ireland, and parts of Australia as a colloquial term for athletic shoes.
3. Joggers (Australia, New Zealand):
   • In Australia and New Zealand, “joggers” is another term for athletic or running shoes.
4. Takkies (South Africa):
   • In South African English, “takkies” is the term used for casual or athletic shoes.
5. Sports Shoes (International):
   • A more formal term used in various regions to describe footwear intended for sports or physical activity.

How many syllables in caramel?

 

 

1. Two Syllables (“Car-mel”) – Western and Central U.S.:
   • The western and central parts of the United States predominantly use the two-syllable pronunciation, “car-mel.” This pronunciation is more concise and omits the second “a” sound.
2. Three Syllables (“Car-a-mel”) – Southeastern and Eastern U.S.:
   • The southeastern and eastern parts of the United States tend to pronounce “caramel” with three syllables, “car-a-mel.” This is a more formal or phonetically complete pronunciation.

Observations:

• Cultural Influence:
  • The two-syllable pronunciation is likely influenced by regional speech patterns favoring brevity and simplification, typical in western and central states.
  • The three-syllable version aligns with traditional or “standard” English pronunciation, often preserved in the southeastern and eastern U.S.
• Spread of Usage:
  • The dividing line between “two” and “three” syllables roughly corresponds to broader linguistic trends, where eastern and southern regions maintain older or more formal pronunciations, while western regions innovate or simplify words over time.

And here some more of his original maps.

At one stage there were over 120 unique ones online, but the original website no longer exists and I haven’t been able to find a full archive of them anywhere.

But still some maps are better than none.

What do you call the miniature lobster that one finds in lakes and streams, for example (a crustacean of the family Astacidae)?

• Crawfish (Southern U.S.):
  • “Crawfish” is the dominant term in the southern United States, especially in Louisiana and surrounding areas. This reflects the culinary and cultural significance of crawfish in Southern cuisine and traditions.
• Crayfish (Midwest, Northeast, and West):
  • “Crayfish” is most common in the Midwest, parts of the Northeast, and some western regions. This term aligns more closely with scientific and formal usage, suggesting an academic influence in these areas.
• Crawdad (Central and Western U.S.):
  • “Crawdad” is popular in parts of the central and western United States.
• No Word for This Critter:
  • Some regions, do not have a specific term for this crustacean, likely due to their geographic distance from habitats where these animals are commonly found.

How do you pronounce the word Pecan

• “Pee-KAHN” ([piːˈkɑːn], Red):
  • This pronunciation dominates the western United States and parts of the southern regions, reflecting its popularity in areas where pecans are an integral part of local cuisine and culture.
• “Pick-AHN” ([ˈpɪkæn], Blue):
  • Found in parts of the southern United States, especially Louisiana.
• “PEE-can” ([ˈpiːkæn], Green):
  • Common in the northeastern United States, this pronunciation is often associated with regions where pecans are less culturally significant but still widely recognized.
• “PEE-kahn” ([ˈpiːˌkɑːn], Yellow):
  • Scattered usage in parts of the Midwest such as Wisconsin.

How do you pronounce the word lawyer?

• [ɔɪ] (“Loyer”) Pronunciation (Red Areas):
  • This pronunciation is dominant across most of the United States, including the West, Midwest, and Northeast. It represents the more common American English pronunciation of “lawyer.”
• [ɔ] (“Law-yer”) Pronunciation (Blue Areas):
  • Found in parts of the South, particularly in states like Tennessee, Arkansas, and surrounding areas. This pronunciation reflects a Southern dialectical influence.
• Interchangeable Usage (Green Areas):
  • Sparse green regions indicate areas where speakers use both pronunciations interchangeably, likely reflecting linguistic diversity or transitional zones between the two dominant forms.

The First Vowel in “Syrup”

• [ə] (“Sir-up”) Pronunciation (Red Areas):
  • The majority of the United States uses this pronunciation, including the Midwest, West, South, and most of the central regions. This is the dominant form and reflects a more generalized American English usage.
• [i] (“Sear-up”) Pronunciation (Blue Areas):
  • Concentrated in the northeastern U.S., particularly in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, and nearby regions. This pronunciation is more localized and reflects regional linguistic traditions.
• [ɪ] (“Sih-rup”) Pronunciation (Green Areas):
  • This pronunciation is not as widely distributed, appearing only in small, scattered regions. It indicates areas where this variant coexists with the dominant “sir-up” pronunciation.

How many syllables in Mayonnaise?

• [eɪ] (3 syllable “May-uh-naise”) Pronunciation (Red Areas):
  • This pronunciation is dominant in the northern United States, including the Midwest, Northeast, and parts of the West. It represents the more formal and standard three-syllable pronunciation.
• [æ] (2 syllable”Man-aze”) Pronunciation (Blue Areas):
  • The two-syllable variant is prevalent in the South and some central regions. This pronunciation reflects regional tendencies to simplify or shorten certain words in casual speech.
• Interchangeable Usage (Green Areas):
  • Some areas in the central U.S. and along borders of red and blue zones report interchangeable use of the two pronunciations. These regions may have mixed linguistic influences.
• Other:
  • Sparse regions indicate minimal reporting or alternative pronunciations not reflected in the map.

What is “the City”?

• New York City (Red Areas):
  • Dominates the Northeast, particularly New York, New Jersey, and surrounding states. Residents here overwhelmingly refer to New York City as “the City,” reflecting its cultural and economic prominence in the region.
• Other (Blue Areas):
  • The term “the City” has no specific or dominant reference in much of the western and central United States. Here, “the City” could refer to the nearest metropolitan area or may not carry a specific connotation.
• Chicago (Green Areas):
  • Concentrated in Illinois and surrounding regions, people here often use “the City” to mean Chicago, reflecting its status as the central urban hub of the Midwest.
• Boston (Yellow Areas):
  • Found in Massachusetts and parts of New England, where “the City” is often understood to mean Boston, given its cultural and historical significance in the region.

How do you pronounce Mary, Merry and Marry?

• All 3 Are the Same (Red Areas):
  • This pronunciation dominates the majority of the United States, especially in the South, Midwest, and West. It reflects a general American English trend toward vowel mergers, where distinctions between similar vowel sounds are neutralized.
• Mary and Marry Are the Same; Merry Is Different (Blue Areas):
  • This pattern is found primarily in the northeastern United States, particularly in parts of New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. This indicates a partial vowel distinction.
• All 3 Are Different (Green Areas):
  • Found in specific parts of the Northeast, particularly in areas of New York, New Jersey and New England. This pronunciation preserves traditional distinctions between all three vowel sounds, likely influenced by historical and linguistic roots in the region.
• Mary and Merry Are the Same; Marry Is Different (Yellow Areas):
  • Philadelphians are generally the only Americans who believe Mary and merry are pronounced the same but differentiate with the word ‘marry’.

The First Vowel in “Bowie Knife”

• [o] (“Bo”) Pronunciation (Red Areas):
  • This pronunciation dominates almost the entire United States, particularly in the South, Midwest, and West.
• [u] (“Boo”) Pronunciation (Blue Areas):
  • Found in isolated parts of Texas and Maryland. Named after after Jim Bowie.

Others:

• I have seen this word in print, but have no idea how to pronounce it.
• I have never seen or heard this word.

The Second Vowel in “Pajamas”

• [ɑ] (“Pah-jamas”) as in Father Pronunciation (Red Areas):
  • This pronunciation is dominant in the South and along the East Coast, particularly in states like Virginia, Georgia, and the Carolinas. It reflects a pronunciation more closely tied to British English traditions, which influenced the South historically.
• [æ] (“Pa-jam-as”) as in Jam Pronunciation (Blue Areas):
  • Found in the North, Midwest, and West. This pronunciation is more common in general American English and reflects a simplified or phonetic interpretation of the word.
• Other (Minimal Presence):
  • Very few areas fall outside the two primary pronunciations, indicating limited alternative pronunciations.

What do you call it when rain falls while the sun is shining?

• No Term or Expression (Red Areas):
  • Dominates much of the U.S., particularly in the Midwest, South, and West. This reflects a lack of regional colloquialism for this weather phenomenon in these areas.
• Sunshower (Blue Areas):
  • Found mostly in the Northeast, Minnesota and Florida.
• The Devil Is Beating His Wife (Green Areas):
  • Concentrated in the Southeast, particularly in Mississippi and Alabama . This “colorful idiom” reflects a deep cultural and folkloric influence.
• Other:
  • Minimal representation, indicating isolated regional expressions or a mix of terms.

Variations in Other Regional Versions of English:

1. United Kingdom:
   • The phenomenon is sometimes referred to as a “Monkey’s wedding”, a phrase also common in South African English.
2. South Africa:
   • “Monkey’s wedding” is the most prevalent term, likely rooted in British colonial influence.
3. India:
   • Known as a “Jackal’s wedding”, reflecting local folklore and cultural associations.
4. Australia and New Zealand:
   • Often referred to as a “sunshower”, similar to the U.S. Northeast.
5. Caribbean:
   • In some Caribbean islands, it’s called a “sunshower”, while others use local idiomatic expressions.

Can you call coleslaw “slaw”?

• Yes (Red Areas):
  • Dominates the South, Midwest, and parts of the East. The term “slaw” is widely used as a shorthand for coleslaw in these regions, reflecting a cultural tendency for brevity in informal speech.
• No (Blue Areas):
  • Found primarily in the Northeast and Western U.S. These regions may prefer the full term “coleslaw,” avoiding the shorthand version.
• Yes, but in Other Forms (Green Areas):
  • Scattered across parts of the Midwest and Northeast. This response indicates some flexibility, where “slaw” might be used to refer to variations like “apple slaw” or “broccoli slaw.”
• Never Heard That Usage (Minimal Presence):
  • Appears in small, isolated regions where the term may not be common or familiar.

What do you call a drive-through liquor store?

• Never Heard of Such a Thing (Red Areas):
  • This response is dominant in much of the western and northeastern U.S., indicating that the concept of drive-through liquor stores is uncommon or unfamiliar in these regions.
• No Special Term (Blue Areas):
  • Found primarily in the Midwest, Texas and parts of the South, where these stores may exist but lack a regionally specific name.
• Brew Thru (Yellow Areas):
  • Concentrated in Virginia and parts of North Carolina. The term is associated with a specific chain of drive-through beverage shops in this region, which has influenced local vernacular.
• Other (Green Areas):
  • Sparse regions where alternative terms may be used, possibly reflecting localized colloquialisms.

What do you call the long sandwich that contains cold cuts, lettuce, and so on?

• Sub (Red Areas):
  • Dominates the majority of the United States, particularly in the West, Midwest, and South. This term is short for “submarine sandwich” and is the most commonly recognized term nationwide.
• Hoagie (Blue Areas):
  • Concentrated in Pennsylvania and parts of New Jersey. This term is closely tied to Philadelphia and its surrounding areas, likely originating from Italian immigrant communities. That said the origin of the name “hoagie” is debated but may come from “Hog Island,” an area near Philadelphia.
• Hero (Green Areas):
  • Found in New York City and nearby regions. This term is historically associated with New York, reflecting local culinary and cultural influences. The name may have originated as a reference to the sandwich being “heroic” in size or quality.
• Other:
  • Minimal representation, indicating a few isolated regional variations or less-common terms.

Terms in Other English-Speaking Countries:

1. United Kingdom:
   • Known as a “baguette” or “filled baguette” when made with French bread.
   • “Sub” is also recognized due to global brands like Subway.
2. Australia and New Zealand:
   • Often referred to as a “roll” or “filled roll,” depending on the bread type. “Sub” is recognized but less commonly used.
3. South Africa:
   • Called a “roll” or “sub,” with regional terms varying based on bread and filling types.
4. Canada:
   • Commonly called a “sub,” mirroring American usage, particularly due to proximity and cultural overlap.

What do you call a traffic situation in which several roads meet in a circle and you have to get off at a certain point?

 

• Traffic Circle (Red Areas):
  • Predominant in the Eastern, southern U.S. and parts of the West. This term is often used to describe larger, less-regulated intersections of this type, typically without strict right-of-way rules.
• Roundabout (Blue Areas):
  • Common in the Midwest, Pacific Northwest, and scattered areas in the West. The term “roundabout” is associated with modern, smaller, and more structured versions of circular intersections, emphasizing right-of-way rules.
• Rotary (Yellow Areas):
  • Strongly concentrated in New England,. This term is an older regional expression for circular intersections and is often used for larger, more chaotic configurations.
• No Word (Green Areas):
  • Found in sparse, scattered regions where such traffic situations are uncommon or not culturally recognized with a specific term.

Terms in Other English-Speaking Countries:

1. United Kingdom:
   • Roundabout is the standard term for circular intersections and is used ubiquitously.
2. Australia and New Zealand:
   • Roundabout is also the standard term, reflecting British influence.
3. Canada:
   • Roundabout is the most common term, although “traffic circle” is sometimes used in specific regions, such as Alberta.
4. South Africa:
   • Traffic Circle is more commonly used, though “roundabout” is understood in some areas.
5. India:
   • Circle is often used, reflecting a more informal naming convention.

What is your “general” term for a big road that you drive relatively fast on?

 

1. Highway (Red Areas):
   • The term “highway” dominates in the central, southern, and eastern parts of the U.S. It is the most commonly used general term in these areas, reflecting a traditional naming convention.
2. Freeway (Green Areas):
   • Found primarily in the western U.S., especially California and nearby states. This term is often associated with large, controlled-access roads designed for fast travel.
3. Specific Differentiation (Blue Areas):
   • Scattered in certain regions, this reflects an understanding that “freeway” and “highway” denote different types of roads (e.g., freeways are strictly limited access, while highways may include intersections or stoplights).
4. Freeway Is Bigger Than a Highway:
   • Rare and minimally represented, reflecting a unique interpretation.

Terms in Other English-Speaking Countries:

1. United Kingdom:
   • The term “motorway” is standard, equivalent to “freeway” in the U.S. Other major roads may be referred to as “A-roads” (less restricted than motorways).
2. Australia:
   • “Freeway” is commonly used for large, controlled-access roads, while “highway” refers to major arterial roads with intersections and access points.
3. Canada:
   • Similar to the U.S., “highway” is the dominant term, though “freeway” is used in some regions to denote limited-access roads.
4. India:
   • “Highway” is the most commonly used term, often describing major roads connecting cities, with less emphasis on access control.
5. South Africa:
   • “Freeway” is used for large, controlled-access roads, while “highway” may describe other major routes.

How do you pronounce been?

• [ɪ] (“Bin” as in “sit”) – Red Areas:
  • Dominates the South, Midwest, and West. This is the most common pronunciation in American English, particularly in casual or conversational speech.
• [ɛ] (“Ben” as in “set”) – Blue Areas:
  • Concentrated in the northern U.S., particularly in areas like Minnesota and parts of the Northeast. This is a less common, elongated pronunciation and is considered more formal.
• [i] (“Been” as in “see”) – Green Areas:
  • Found in scattered regions, particularly in parts of the Midwest and Northeast. This pronunciation reflects a slightly more formal or regional variation.
• Other:
  • Minimal representation, likely reflecting idiosyncratic or localized pronunciations.

How many syllables in Crayon?

 

 

• [eɪ.ɑ] (“Cray-ahn”, 2 syllables) – Red Areas:
  • Dominates much of the South and Midwest. This pronunciation splits the word clearly into two syllables and is common in these regions.
• [eɪ.ɔn] (“Cray-awn”, 2 syllables, rhymes with “dawn”) – Blue Areas:
  • Concentrated in the New England and the Western US. This version maintains two syllables but includes a rounded vowel sound in the second syllable, reflecting regional linguistic nuances.
• [æ] (“Cran”, 1 syllable) – Green Areas:
  • Found primarily in Wisconsin. This is a simplified, one-syllable pronunciation that is more casual and common in fast speech.
• [aw] (“Crown”, 1 syllable) – Minimal Presence:
  • A rare pronunciation found in isolated areas, likely resulting from a speech pattern where “crayon” merges with similar-sounding words like “crown.”

A further note about the history of these maps:

The origins of the dialect survey data have caused some confusion.

The maps above are based on an earlier online dialect survey conducted by Bert Vaux and Scott Golder.

This survey, dating back to Vaux’s time at Harvard, and had been publicly available for about a decade before the maps above were made (20 years ago, but now offline) and focused on phonological, lexical, and syntactic variation through self-reported responses.

Although Vaux and Golder’s work laid the foundation for Katz’s maps, their contributions have often been overlooked in media coverage, such as the initial version of a Business Insider article or a segment on the Today Show.

Vaux has noted other instances where his survey has been reused without acknowledgment, including internet trends like the “Regional Dialect Meme” or “Accent Tag.”

Unfortunately, like Josh Katz’s website, their website also no longer seems to be online.

And here’s a map from the Harvard Dialect Survey.

What do you call the activity of driving around in circles in a car?

Finally as a reminder as linguistically diverse as the US is, it doesn’t pack quite the same differences in as the UK. See:

Also see: 6 Ways To Divide England Linguistically