Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

soda-jerker

noun

ˈsoʊdəˌdʒɜr.kər

Definition

A soda-jerker is a person who prepares and serves soda or ice cream beverages, typically at a soda fountain or in a pharmacy.

Examples

The soda-jerker mixed a delicious vanilla malt for the customer.
At the old diner, the soda-jerker had a friendly smile and knew everyone’s favorite drinks.
She worked as a soda-jerker during her summer vacation, serving ice cream sodas to happy kids.

Meaning

The term originates from the mid-20th century, when soda fountains were popular in drugstores and diners, and the employees had to ‘jerk’ the soda handles to dispense drinks.