Popsicles and ice lollies are two of the most popular frozen treats around the world. They are both delicious, and they are both a great way to cool off on a hot summer day. But did you know that the words “popsicle” and “ice lolly” mean two different things depending on which side of the pond you’re on?
Popsicle
In American English, the word “popsicle” is used to refer to a frozen treat on a stick. It’s usually flavoured with fruit juice and it is a classic summertime treat. The word “popsicle” was first used in the early 1900s and it is believed to have been coined by Frank Epperson, who accidentally left a mixture of powdered soda and water on his porch overnight. When he discovered it the next morning, it had frozen and he named it the “Epsicle.” Americans worked on the name later, taking the words pop, a combination of soda pop in the US Midwest, they call sweet soda, and icicle, “icicle”. This is how the name “popsicle” came about, which by the 21st century has become a household name for any ice cream on a stick.
Ice Lolly
In British English, the word “ice lolly” is used instead of “popsicle.” An ice lolly is similar to a popsicle, but it usually has a more solid center. It’s usually made from flavoured syrup that is frozen in a mould. The word “ice lolly” is believed to have originated in the late 1800s and it is a combination of the words “ice” and “lollipop.” Therefore, in Britain, no linguistic epic happened, ice cream on a stick simply stayed an "ice lolly", and that's it.
So, the next time you’re enjoying a frozen treat, remember that whether you’re in the United States or the United Kingdom, you’re still enjoying a delicious summertime treat.
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