Top 10 food terms used by Gen Z revealed - and you might need a dictionary

A poll of 2,000 adults has revealed younger adults are driving a generational shift in food language, killing off terms like 'grub,' 'sarnie,' and 'pop' – favouring 'scran,' 'sub,' and 'soda' instead. Additional expressions falling from grace amongst those under 29 include using 'tea' for the evening meal, 'nosh' when discussing foodin general, and 'cuppa' for a hot beverage.

The word 'sandwich' is also becoming less popular, with younger people embracing American-influenced alternatives such as 'hoagie' and 'hero'. A spokesperson for McDonald'sUK&I, which commissioned the study to celebrate the debut of its new RSPCA assured pork patty Sausage Sandwich on the Saver Menu, commented: "Language is constantly evolving, and food slang is no exception."

The research discovered that family represents the most significant influence on Gen Z's food vocabulary, carrying more weight than their local upbringing and social media, which ranked second and third respectively.

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Nearly half of Gen Z reckon they use more regional food expressions than other generations. The remaining half claim to use such terms 'very often' or 'often'.

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 biggest regional variations was what people call a bread roll. While the term was number one for all regions, 'cob' is popular among those living in the West and East Midlands.

And 'Barm' is commonplace in the North West, with 'teacake' frequently used in Yorkshire and Humber.

The spokesperson for McDonald's added: "Our Sausage Sandwich is already sparking its own naming debates – burger or sandwich.

"Although the research suggests a strong preference - when shown an image of this menu item, 76 per cent of those polled described it as a 'burger,' with just 24 per cent opting for 'sandwich.'"

10 FOOD TERMS IN DECLINE:

Tea – to refer to the evening meal

Cuppa – to refer to a cup of tea

Squash – to refer to a drink made with water and cordial

Pop – to refer to a carbonated drink

Sandwich – to refer to the food consisting of two pieces of bread with a filling between

Sarnie – to also refer to the food consisting of two pieces of bread with a filling between

Roll – to refer to the small, oblong individual loaf of bread

Bap – to also refer to the small, oblong individual loaf of bread

Grub – to refer to food generally

Nosh – to also refer to food generally

10 FOOD TERMS ON THE RISE:

Hoagie – to refer to the food consisting of two pieces of bread with a filling between

Supper – to refer to the evening meal

Juice – to refer to a beverage made with water and squash

Sub – referring to a sandwich, which is food consisting of two pieces of bread with a filling in between

Doorstep – referring to a sandwich, which is food consisting of two pieces of bread with a filling in between

Scran – referring to food in general

Snap – referring to food, usually lunch

Piece – referring to a sandwich, which is food consisting of two pieces of bread with a filling in between

Fizzy drink – referring to a carbonated beverage

Hero – referring to a sandwich, which is food consisting of two pieces of bread with a filling in between