Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[learner12]

Hello, teachers!!

I would like to ask you about the word "cider."

Which word do you often use, cider or apple juice? I looked the word cider in the dictionary and found that cider meant apple juice. But I wonder if native speakers really use "cider" in everyday conversation.

Thank you in advance.

[EnglishRaven]

I think for this one it really depends a lot on which English speaking country you are in, or even which part of a given country.

Where I grew up (in Australia) it was always apple juice, but seeing 'apple cider' on a label wouldn't surprise or confuse me. However, 'cider' on its own meant an alcoholic beverage where I come from, based on the drink from the UK.

Here's something that will confuse you. "Cider" has been borrowed into Korean, and refers there to what I would normally call lemonade (the carbonated soft drink variety) - something like Sprite.

Koreans must get a real surprise when they see cider in a pub in Australia or the UK making people giggle, belch and lose their inhibitions. Likewise, they probably find the idea of 'apple cider' (apples with lemonade?) pretty confusing as well!

Best,

- Jason
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[learner12]

Dear EnglishRaven:

Thank you so much for your long and profound explanations. I understood what you wrote about "cider." I appreciated that.

Take care and have a nice day!!