Boston “Bubblah”: A History of the Famous New England Slang
What Is a “Bubbler”?
If you grew up in Massachusetts, you’ve probably used the word “bubbler” — or more accurately, “bubblah” — when asking for a drink of water. For everyone else, it’s a mystery. A bubbler is what Bostonians call a drinking fountain, the kind you find in schools, parks, and gyms. But the word isn’t just slang — it’s a piece of New England history that goes back over a century.
Where the Word Came From
The term bubbler originated in the early 1900s in Wisconsin, where the Kohler Company invented one of the first modern drinking fountains. The design featured a nozzle that caused the water to “bubble” up rather than shoot out, and the name bubbler stuck. The company even trademarked it for a time.
From there, the word spread across parts of the Midwest and East Coast. But nowhere did it take root quite like Boston and New England, where the accent transformed it into something unmistakably local — bubblah.
Why Boston Kept the Word Alive
While most of the country adopted “drinking fountain,” New Englanders held tight to bubbler. That’s partly due to Boston’s strong regional dialect and partly because Bostonians have a long tradition of keeping old-school terms alive.
Think about it — we still say “frappe” instead of milkshake, “package store” instead of liquor store, and “rotary” instead of roundabout. In that same spirit, “bubbler” became a point of local pride — a word that marks you instantly as a native.
The Accent That Made It Famous
Boston’s accent gave the word its charm. The hard “r” dropped out, turning bubbler into bubblah. You’ll hear it said with confidence in schools, parks, and even in tourist conversations (“Where’s the nearest bubblah?”). It’s one of those uniquely Boston touches that outsiders find both confusing and endearing.
Pop Culture and the Bubbler Legacy
The word has even made its way into pop culture. Boston comedians, radio hosts, and TV shows have referenced it countless times, usually as shorthand for local authenticity. If a character says bubblah on screen, you know exactly where they’re from.
Even today, social media posts and memes keep the word alive, celebrating it as part of the Boston identity — equal parts tradition, humor, and pride.
Why It Matters
The “bubbler” might just be a small word for a simple thing, but it’s a symbol of something bigger: Boston’s refusal to lose its character. In a world where regional accents and slang are fading, the bubblah remains proudly Boston.
So next time you need a quick sip, skip the “drinking fountain.” Ask for the bubblah.
