“Birdie”

Context: A classmate I interviewed from Orange County used this term primarily in elementary school. This word is used to describe sharing water from a water bottle with another person by hovering it over your mouth instead of touching your lips to the lid. She said she believes the origin and context related to golfing, as there is the term “Birdie” when you score a hole in one. It is also debated whether or not it could mimic the action of a small bird being fed by its mother.

Analysis: As a child from the valley, growing up in Reseda, California, I’ve always used the term “waterfall.” It was really interesting to discover how much this term can vary from region to region, even in the same state. saying the term “waterfall”, “birdie,” or any other term used for this specific ritual of sharing water can automatically distinguish you from other regional folk groups due to its highly community specific nature. I also think that it’s interesting that the origin may have come from the golf term, since it could indicate that sharing water in what is perceived as a “sanitary” way is an accomplishment, like a hole in one. The other possible origin of a baby bird being fed by a parent is a more literal and fun meaning assigned to this playground ritual.