Shirley had difficulty in the malt shop when she visited Missouri. Shirley is from a region of Rhode Island where the treat she was trying to order is called a “cabinet.” The person at the Missouri malt shop knows the treat as a “chocolate shake,” so the two had difficulty communicating Shirley’s order. What is the cause of the problem?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The cause of the problem is dialect. The term "cabinet" for a milkshake is specific to certain areas of Rhode Island, while "chocolate shake" is more widely understood in other parts of the United States, including Missouri. This difference in regional vocabulary led to the communication issue.

Shirley Had Difficulty in the Malt Shop When She Visited