milk-bar
Definition
- Noun:
- A shop or counter that sells milk-based drinks and light refreshments: A "milk-bar" is a type of establishment, often a small café or stand, where the primary offerings include milk, milkshakes, ice cream, and other dairy-based beverages. It may also serve simple snacks like sandwiches or pastries.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- We stopped at the milk-bar for a strawberry milkshake after school. (A shop selling milk-based drinks.)
- The old-fashioned milk-bar had a jukebox and stools at the counter. (A nostalgic café with a focus on dairy treats.)
Advanced Usage
"milk-bar" as a cultural reference: In some contexts, particularly in Australia and New Zealand, "milk-bar" refers to a small convenience store or corner shop that also sells milk and basic groceries, similar to a "dairy" in other regions.
- He bought a newspaper and a chocolate bar from the local milk-bar. (A small shop with a range of items.)
Historical note: In the mid-20th century, milk-bars were popular in the United States and Commonwealth countries as social gathering spots for young people, often featuring soda fountains.
Variants and Related Words
Milk-bar attendant (n): a person who works in a milk-bar.
- The milk-bar attendant mixed a thick banana shake. (The worker at the counter.)
Milk-bar stool (n): a tall seat at a counter in a milk-bar.
- She sat on a milk-bar stool while waiting for her order. (A seat at the counter.)
Synonyms
- Dairy bar: a similar establishment that sells milk products.
- Soda fountain: a counter or shop that serves carbonated drinks, ice cream, and milk shakes (historical).
- Corner shop: in some regions, a small convenience store that may also sell milk.
Related Idioms
- "Like a kid in a milk-bar": an idiom used in some English-speaking countries to describe someone who is excited and overwhelmed by choices.
- He was like a kid in a milk-bar when he saw the menu of ice cream flavors. (He was very excited and indecisive.)