An etymological dictionary

Investigating the origins of American words, names, quotations and phrases.

“Mirinda is a poor man’s Fanta”

The soft drinks Fanta (introduced in 1940), Crush (introduced as Orange Crush in 1911), Faygo (introduced in 1907), Sunkist (introduced in 1979), Orangina (introduced in 1936), Mirinda (introduced…

“Starry is a poor man’s Sprite”

The soft drinks Sprite (introduced in 1961), 7 Up (introduced in 1929), Teem (1959-1984), Sierra Mist (1999-2023) and Starry (introduced in 2023) have been compared to each other. "Sierra Mist…

“7 Up is a poor man’s Sprite”

The soft drinks Sprite (introduced in 1961), 7 Up (introduced in 1929), Teem (1959-1984), Sierra Mist (1999-2023) and Starry (introduced in 2023) have been compared to each other. "Sierra Mist…

“Sprite is a poor man’s 7 Up”

The soft drinks Sprite (introduced in 1961), 7 Up (introduced in 1929), Teem (1959-1984), Sierra Mist (1999-2023) and Starry (introduced in 2023) have been compared to each other. "Sierra Mist…

“Vimto is a poor man’s Ribena”

The blackcurrent drink Vimto (originally introduced in 1908, although the recipe was changed) has been compared to Ribena (introduced in 1938). Both drinks are popular in the United Kingdom.…