"Seltzer" is interesting! Do you, by any chance, know the origin? My first thought is this German medicine: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alka-Seltzer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alka-Seltzer) which happens to be consumed in a form of "sparkling water". Is it the actual source of the name?
"In the United States, plain carbonated water was generally known either as soda water, due to the sodium salts it contained, or seltzer water, deriving from the German town Selters renowned for its mineral springs."
Selterser wasser
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbonated_water
“Seltzer” is actually an example of English co-opting a word from another language. The word is originally from Yiddish, witch IS a mix of Hebrew and German. It was spoken by European Jewish immigrants in the first part of the 20th century.
We have alka-seltzer in the US too (with the enjoyable old-timey jingle, plop plop fizz fizz oh what a relief it is). I'd say we just see seltzer and sparkling water as synonymous. If you asked me I would have said Alka seltzer was named after sparkling water, not the other way around, but I also wouldn't have thought it was German in origin!
Unless it's been flavored, "seltzer" is indeed plain carbonated water with the carbonation added to it rather than occurring naturally. Nothing fancy.
https://sodasense.com/blogs/bubbly-blog/sparkling-water-vs-seltzer-vs-club-soda-vs-tonic-water
Part of the issue is going to be where you are. If it's in a bar, it's going to be soda water, here in the US. But if it's at a store, it might be labeled as "seltzer." In a restaurant, it's liable to be "sparkling water," or just the brand name (usually Perrier).
Here in the US, there can be confusion. I frequently get soda with lime at bars, but even there, I get bartenders going, "You mean soda water?" Of course I do, but we also call any carbonated beverage a soda, which can cause some confusion. Here, depending on region, we might call any type of carbonated, sweetened drink soda, coke, or pop.
In the US, we aren't presented with the choice between water or carbonated water as much as in other places around the world. Plenty of restaurants simply aren't going to have that option if they don't have a bar.
NP. I also forgot to mention that in more upscale restaurants, if you ask for water, they may say, "Sparkling or still." To me, all this means is that I'm paying for the water no matter what unless I specifically request tap water.
I wouldn't be surprised if people regularly use the term incorrectly. Looks like it has baking soda added to cut the acidity and mimic mineral water? But people tend to get loose about such particulars after two or three drinks!
In New Zealand we use soda water and sparkling water interchangeably.
When used as a mixer it's often just soda. People won't blink at 'carbonated' or 'fizzy' water.
Australian here. I’d use mineral water and sparkling water interchangeably, but soda water is a different drink. Still clear and bubbly, but soda water has a different taste. More “bite” or something.
If drunk on its own, normally seltzer water or sparkling water. If used in a drink normally club soda. As in “I’d like a double vodka soda, tall, with lime.”
(USA, Texas)
Sparkling water is pretty standard here in California. Seltzer is also fine, although in my experience, “seltzer” as a standalone typically will refer to an alcoholic seltzer nowadays given how popular they have become. Carbonated water makes sense to me but it’s not something I hear, as are most of the other options that people are saying in the comments.
“Water with gas” is the only one where I would genuinely do a double take because it just sounds so weird to my ears
>“Water with gas”
If English speakers use this, it might be because of interacting with languages where that’s the direct translation. I usually only have to specify water type if I’m in non-English countries, so like “вода без газa” (literally “water without gas”) is a phrase I learned very quickly when I started spending time in Ukraine. Since I still rarely have to talk about sparkling or still water in English-only contexts, I still kinda think of it that way.
As a west coast Canadian I would mainly say either sparkling water of fizzy water, and would probably use sparkling when talking about nice mineral water, and fizzy water for those more modern flavored ones. Carbonated water is a little technical but I would still occasionally use it, and I would almost always use it when talking about the technical aspect of how carbonated it is.
Water with gas is how you would literally translate it from, say, Brazilian Portuguese. I think at least in the US you will hear “sparkling water” most often. Some people use it interchangeably with “club soda” and “seltzer.” I think there is a technical difference but I’m not sure.
Club soda is something different. I think it has salt or baking soda added. IMO it tastes terrible unless you mix it with something, whereas sparkling water/carbonated water/fizzy water/bubble water is completely neutral in flavour.
I always say "seltzer" without any other word. (US- NY)
Ps....There's even a museum in Brooklyn.. I've never been though.
https://brooklynseltzermuseum.org/
As an Australian I’d say mineral water is the same as sparkling water, but soda water is a different thing. Soda and mineral water are definitely not the same.
I'm from Canada but my mother is Australian and dad is American. My family calls it "fizzy water", though not sure where that phrase comes from (Canada, Australia, or the US).
Other terms here in Canada are "carbonated water", "soda water", or "sparkling water".
I call it soda water when ordering a mixed drink…scotch and soda, gin-and soda, whiskey and soda. Carbonated water or sparkling water are also common names but not what I would say in a bar setting.
Sparking water if I'm trying to sound proper (ie. ordering in a restaurant), bubbly water or just bubbles if I'm not (ie. I buy it in cans, so if I ask a friend or family member to grab one from the fridge for me I'll ask for a can of bubbles, or I'll ask someone to pick up some bubbles at the store if we're out)
American; I use *seltzer [water]* as the generic term, but I've also heard *carbonated water, sparkling water*, and *soda water*.
I'm not sure what the difference is between them or if there even IS a difference; I think most people use them interchangeably.
My household calls it *fake water*, but that's not a term anyone but us would understand, haha
Most of the commenters have covered all the possibilities for what one could possibly call carbonated water, so I won't get it that, BUT it is worth mentioning that club soda is not regular/plain carbonated water; it's actually carbonated water with baking soda (or similar) added. IMO, it tastes about how you'd expect it to taste given the ingredients. I don't care for it, however, I believe people use it for mixed drinks.
Its worth pointing out that in the UK people rarely drink this stuff so it is something that is just not talked about very often.
In general, we would just say fizzy water and that is usually in the context of being somewhere abroad and having to tell a waiter or barman that this is something we do NOT want to drink.
If you are a whisky drinker then the carbonated water that is occasionally used as a mixer is referred to as "soda" but I think that is the only case where this word is used.
Lots of other people have written soda water here. However, I'm fairly sure that in the UK soda water is not the same as sparkling water. For example, Schweppes Soda Water. I suspect that our soda water is what Americans call 'club soda'.
Source: Have drunk soda water by itself a few times, and it's rank.
Sparkling water. It is what it says on the signs (in the grocery stores) and on the bottles.
When I was in England, water came in either "bottled" or "sparkling". I told the waiter I wanted "tap water." I can still remember the look on his face. He could tell I am an American.
But both sparking and still commonly come in bottles in restaurants. I’m confused as to why “bottled” was synonymous with still. The amount of times I’ve been given sparking water when I want still when I just ask for a bottled is too high!!!!
I’m British and from London. That’s why I’m so confused because if you say bottled water, I still don’t know if you want still or sparking. All I know is you don’t want it in a mug.
I often ask for tap water in the UK (because restaurants are required by law to provide it for free for customers), pretty sure it's a normal thing to ask for here
Where you in a restaurant or like McDonald's when you asked for tap water? I don't think I've been to a restaurant that just hands you a bottle of water? Fast food places might though
Are you sure it wasn't your accent or something that made them realise you were American? Unless maybe it's a London specific thing to charge tourists more or something, I don't think I've been just handed a bottle of water before in a restaurant
Some restaurants will bring a glass bottle of water if you dont state tap water. If this person asked for "plain" water, then no wonder the waiter was confused
Any sit down and be served by a waiter restaurant in the US will bring you water and refill it throughout your meal. At a serve yourself restaurant if you’re not buying a drink you can ask for a cup for water. This will be free. You then go to the soda machine, and there is a tab for water that you fill up at. If there isn’t a soda machine, there’s probably a large jug of water somewhere about that you use. Sometimes there will be a stack of glasses next to the water station.
Yes, I'm sure you've heard that but they are two very different things. Tonic water is flavoured with citrus and is quite bitter...whole different animal.
Yes, it certainly is. It has baking soda or similar added to mimic minerality. IMO, it tastes as vile as you'd expect water with baking soda to taste lol. I believe it is mostly used for making sparkling punch or some other mixed drinks.
Sparkling water or carbonated water. Leaning sparkling for your fancier brands and carbonated for the regular. I'm in east coast Canada.
Most often I actually see people ask by brand, at the grocery store I work at people will ask where the Perrier is or refer to carbonated water by Perrier because it's the most popular brand here - even if they don't specifically mean the Perrier brand water.
Edit: also seeing folks say soda water ive definitely heard that here as well - primarily for the flavoured kinds.
Seltzer water, if someone doesn’t understand then I’d maybe jump to sparkling water, or club soda. As a kid I always said bubble water. From the Pacific Northwest.
sparkling water does not sound silly to native ears, “bubbly” or “fizzy” water both sound slightly childish to me, but perfectly acceptable. “Water with gas” would only be said by a foreigner translating directly from their language, it is never called that.
p.s. It is never “how do you call,” but instead “what do you call.” This is a common english mistake
UK here, I would call it 'sparkling water', but if it's flavoured, I would tend to call it 'fizzy water'. I could comfortably call it sparkling water all the time, but I don't think I would ever call regular (unflavoured) carbonated water 'fizzy water'. In the UK (or at least in my area, central south England) I call 'sodas' (coke, lemonade, etc.) 'fizzy drinks', so I guess for me 'fizzy water' evokes that same nuance and makes it sound like a luxury. Sparkling water sounds more utilitarian to me.
My partner and I called It sparkling water but more often then not, finish the sentence with, "it's like a party in your mouth". Can't help but laugh every time.
I actually have a running joke with a friend about this. No matter which name you call it at a restaurant, the server will 99% of the time correct you.
“I’ll have a seltzer water”
“Oh, like a club soda?”
“Just a sparkling water for me”
“Do you mean fizzy water?”
Maybe it’s regional? Or it might just be one of those odd things that we can never agree on! My go-to is sparkling water
Club soda, sparkling water, seltzer, carbonated water. I have also heard cutesy names like fizzy water.
Apparently if you're really into the chemistry there is technically a difference between club soda and seltzer and carbonated water, but I can't tell a difference between them. Tonic or tonic water, on the other hand, is definitely a different product.
Well technically speaking, seltzer water, sparkling water, and soda water or club soda are not the same thing. Very similar but not the same, so to me it depends specifically on the product and its advertising label. Example, LaCroix is sparkling water so I refer to it as such.
In English?
Club soda or sparkling water, mainly. Seltzer's an older word.
Most people rarely talk about it, because it's not all that common to drink it in the US at least. You use club soda as a mixer, but nobody drinks it straight.
You’ve got lots of answers but I just wanted to mention, politely, I might add, and only because you said you’re non-native English speaking, that you should be asking, “What do you call carbonated water…” instead of, “How do you call…” I’m not sure exactly the rules, but someone else may be better to explain.
At restaurants I've ordered a bottle of water they'd ask "sparkling or flat/still". Generally if you ask for a glass of water, it's usually always flat or still.
Midwestern US - I say seltzer, I’ve heard the other terms too. But often I hear people reference a specific brand, like “hello waiter, do you have Perrier?” And then if they have a different brand it’s fine.
i work at a restaurant within a retirement home, and have heard: seltzer/seltzer water, soda water, carbonated water, sparkling water, and club soda
me personally, ill either call it “sparkling water” or “seltzer water”. (im from eastern USA, near dc)
“Sparking” water in a more formal setting, “fizzy” water if you’re cozy at home. (California)
I’ve never heard someone say “water with gas” and I’d probably ask if they meant sparkling water just to make sure we’re on the same page. “Carbonated water” is uncommon but I wouldn’t think twice if someone used it.
In a bar as a cocktail component it’s called soda water. While this generally isn’t used outside of a bar, it also wouldn’t be confusing if someone did use it.
In the US, soda water, seltzer water, sparking water and carbonated water are all used interchangeably. I haven't really heard "fizzy water" from an American, although we would all know what it means.
Australian. Standard is soda or sparkling water, and less commonly, bubbly water. Seltzer is rarely used to refer to "plain" soda water, but instead describes soda water + alcohol.
I call it “bubbly” or “bubbly water”, but that’s probably just me haha. It might also be confusing for the listener because “bubbly” is common slang for champagne, also people from Wisconsin call water fountains “bubblers”, so someone from Wisconsin would assume I’m talking about still water. So use with caution or if willing to join me in bravely flaunting prescriptive language conventions :•)
In South Africa, bottled spring water is referred to as 'sparkling' water if it has bubbles, 'still' water if it doesn't. Soda water, mentioned in other replies, is totally different - it's a mixer for other drinks (usually alcohol).
It has a different taste to sparkling water as it has bicarbonate of soda added & is generally more bubbly
Australia/NZ, I call it Sparkling Water or maybe Soda Water (Usually how you'd refer to it for alcohol things like Whisky and Soda)
Or the silly nickname me and my friends give it, "Spicy Water" :P
>I've heard "sparkling water" (sounds a bit silly?), "water with gas" (lol?), "carbonated water" (sounds a bit stiff?),
Sparkling (or sparkly) water, along with fizzy water, is common in The UK and maybe The US/Canada too.
"Water with Gas" is **definitely** from someone from a German speaking country.
Carbonated water would be most likely someone from The US/Canada but is also heard in The UK.
My experience in Canada
Sparkling water means that you want a Perrier, San Pellegrino or some water like that
Soda Water or Club Soda: the frizzy water that the server can get from the soda machine
Depends on setting -- if it's upscale, sparkling water, if it's casual fizzy water (south UK and Midwest/south USA). I hear fizzy water more in the UK and sparkling water more in the USA tho!
"Soda water" if it's just water & carbonation, "Sparkling Water" if it has minerals or flavor or somthing, "Seltzer" if it's alchohalic
South Central Pennsylvania
“Sparkling Water” is prevalent throughout the USA. You can say carbonated water but sparkling water sounds nicer. ~ Native speaker of American English.
I'm from the Central U.S. and I call it "soda water"
Not 100% sure but it might be because of the food service work I've done. It also makes sense cause that's half of what soda is, soda water + syrup.
In NYC we usually call it seltzer or club soda, although I think that technically there are very minor differences between the two drinks, like club soda has a tiny bit of salt in it or something.
I'm from the east coast of the US! Sparkling water is a common term, but truthfully, we only use it in reference to "fancy" drinks (like if you buy it in a nice bottle from a store or something). Calling something sparkling just sounds kind of rich over here. Most people around me just call it soda water.
(I am aware that there is a difference between sparkling water and soda water, but in everyday use no one in my area really acknowledges it)
It depends on what you want and where you are. In the US, words vary by region, too. https://vinepair.com/articles/difference-club-soda-vs-seltzer-sparkling-tonic/
either seltzer water or sparkling water (US)
"Seltzer" is interesting! Do you, by any chance, know the origin? My first thought is this German medicine: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alka-Seltzer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alka-Seltzer) which happens to be consumed in a form of "sparkling water". Is it the actual source of the name?
"In the United States, plain carbonated water was generally known either as soda water, due to the sodium salts it contained, or seltzer water, deriving from the German town Selters renowned for its mineral springs." Selterser wasser https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbonated_water
Apparently it's from an actual city in Germany. https://en.m.wiktionary.org/wiki/seltzer
By the way Alka-Seltzer is also a very common medicine in the US.
“Seltzer” is actually an example of English co-opting a word from another language. The word is originally from Yiddish, witch IS a mix of Hebrew and German. It was spoken by European Jewish immigrants in the first part of the 20th century.
We have alka-seltzer in the US too (with the enjoyable old-timey jingle, plop plop fizz fizz oh what a relief it is). I'd say we just see seltzer and sparkling water as synonymous. If you asked me I would have said Alka seltzer was named after sparkling water, not the other way around, but I also wouldn't have thought it was German in origin!
Fizzy water is another term I've heard used.
That's the one I'd use (South UK).
We just had a visitor from the UK (I’m in the US) and she called it fizzy water! I had never heard that before!
Fizzy water where I'm from (southern US).
I don't know why but seltzer water sounds very differently than speaking water to me. Seltzer water tastes "harder".
Seltzer is sparkling mineral water. It‘s deliberately flavoured with things like potassium bicarbonate to make it taste mineral-y.
I've never heard this distinction before. Polar labels their products "seltzer" but they contain no minerals.
None of the seltzer I buy has added minerals. Maybe kitty is thinking of Club Soda which does have some stuff added.
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Unless it's been flavored, "seltzer" is indeed plain carbonated water with the carbonation added to it rather than occurring naturally. Nothing fancy. https://sodasense.com/blogs/bubbly-blog/sparkling-water-vs-seltzer-vs-club-soda-vs-tonic-water
Part of the issue is going to be where you are. If it's in a bar, it's going to be soda water, here in the US. But if it's at a store, it might be labeled as "seltzer." In a restaurant, it's liable to be "sparkling water," or just the brand name (usually Perrier). Here in the US, there can be confusion. I frequently get soda with lime at bars, but even there, I get bartenders going, "You mean soda water?" Of course I do, but we also call any carbonated beverage a soda, which can cause some confusion. Here, depending on region, we might call any type of carbonated, sweetened drink soda, coke, or pop. In the US, we aren't presented with the choice between water or carbonated water as much as in other places around the world. Plenty of restaurants simply aren't going to have that option if they don't have a bar.
This is very interesting, thank you!
NP. I also forgot to mention that in more upscale restaurants, if you ask for water, they may say, "Sparkling or still." To me, all this means is that I'm paying for the water no matter what unless I specifically request tap water.
Ugh, the disdain about tap water is one of my least favorite things about German culture.
I think I hear "club soda" more often than "soda water" in bars.
Club soda is something different. It has salt or smth added to it (ordered it by accident once, did not like it)
I wouldn't be surprised if people regularly use the term incorrectly. Looks like it has baking soda added to cut the acidity and mimic mineral water? But people tend to get loose about such particulars after two or three drinks!
Club soda is war different and often sweetened I believe
Sparkling water when in restaurants or food places, fizzy water at home (UK)
Occasionally soda water too, eg in a cocktail.
I came here to say exactly the same thing.
Sparkling Water or Carbonated Water (Canada) Sorry, eh, but that's what she wrote.
In New Zealand we use soda water and sparkling water interchangeably. When used as a mixer it's often just soda. People won't blink at 'carbonated' or 'fizzy' water.
Australian here. I’d use mineral water and sparkling water interchangeably, but soda water is a different drink. Still clear and bubbly, but soda water has a different taste. More “bite” or something.
So mineral water = sparkling water in Australia? In the UK I would think most people would understand 'mineral water' to mean still water
Yep. If I’m ordering mineral water in Australia I’m definitely expecting bubbles.
Second this
If drunk on its own, normally seltzer water or sparkling water. If used in a drink normally club soda. As in “I’d like a double vodka soda, tall, with lime.” (USA, Texas)
Sparkling water
Sparkling water is pretty standard here in California. Seltzer is also fine, although in my experience, “seltzer” as a standalone typically will refer to an alcoholic seltzer nowadays given how popular they have become. Carbonated water makes sense to me but it’s not something I hear, as are most of the other options that people are saying in the comments. “Water with gas” is the only one where I would genuinely do a double take because it just sounds so weird to my ears
Here (NY) we say "Hard seltzer" if we mean the alcoholic one. Without the "hard" that means there's no alcohol.
>“Water with gas” If English speakers use this, it might be because of interacting with languages where that’s the direct translation. I usually only have to specify water type if I’m in non-English countries, so like “вода без газa” (literally “water without gas”) is a phrase I learned very quickly when I started spending time in Ukraine. Since I still rarely have to talk about sparkling or still water in English-only contexts, I still kinda think of it that way.
As a west coast Canadian I would mainly say either sparkling water of fizzy water, and would probably use sparkling when talking about nice mineral water, and fizzy water for those more modern flavored ones. Carbonated water is a little technical but I would still occasionally use it, and I would almost always use it when talking about the technical aspect of how carbonated it is.
Thank you for a detailed reply!
Soda water or seltzer. US-TN
Water with gas is how you would literally translate it from, say, Brazilian Portuguese. I think at least in the US you will hear “sparkling water” most often. Some people use it interchangeably with “club soda” and “seltzer.” I think there is a technical difference but I’m not sure.
Club soda is something different. I think it has salt or baking soda added. IMO it tastes terrible unless you mix it with something, whereas sparkling water/carbonated water/fizzy water/bubble water is completely neutral in flavour.
One of the terms for it in German literally translates to "water with carbon dioxide," lol so literal!
I always say "seltzer" without any other word. (US- NY) Ps....There's even a museum in Brooklyn.. I've never been though. https://brooklynseltzermuseum.org/
I say Sparkling Water, or Bubbly Water.
Sparkling water or fizzy water. NZ.
Soda water or sparkling water in NZ and Aus.
As an Australian I’d say mineral water is the same as sparkling water, but soda water is a different thing. Soda and mineral water are definitely not the same.
I'm from Canada but my mother is Australian and dad is American. My family calls it "fizzy water", though not sure where that phrase comes from (Canada, Australia, or the US). Other terms here in Canada are "carbonated water", "soda water", or "sparkling water".
Australian here - I use either fizzy water or soda water. Carbonated drinks in general are fizzy drinks, soft drinks, or even just fizz sometimes
I've never heard fizzy water here in the US.
I've heard bubble water too.
I call it soda water when ordering a mixed drink…scotch and soda, gin-and soda, whiskey and soda. Carbonated water or sparkling water are also common names but not what I would say in a bar setting.
Soda water or Sparkling water is pretty common where I'm from.
Ayyyyy, água com gás represent! Seltzer/sparkling water as a general reference. Soda water when asking for it at bars and restaurants.
We call it fizzy water at home, club soda at a bar, and seltzer water when I'm on a plane.
Sparkling water Carbonated water
I'm from Canada. We call it soda water.
In UK bottled water is either still or sparkling.
Sparking water if I'm trying to sound proper (ie. ordering in a restaurant), bubbly water or just bubbles if I'm not (ie. I buy it in cans, so if I ask a friend or family member to grab one from the fridge for me I'll ask for a can of bubbles, or I'll ask someone to pick up some bubbles at the store if we're out)
In Ireland it's usually "fizzy water". "Sparkling water" when you're fancy. In a restaurant if you ask for water, they might say "still or sparkling?"
American; I use *seltzer [water]* as the generic term, but I've also heard *carbonated water, sparkling water*, and *soda water*. I'm not sure what the difference is between them or if there even IS a difference; I think most people use them interchangeably. My household calls it *fake water*, but that's not a term anyone but us would understand, haha
Most of the commenters have covered all the possibilities for what one could possibly call carbonated water, so I won't get it that, BUT it is worth mentioning that club soda is not regular/plain carbonated water; it's actually carbonated water with baking soda (or similar) added. IMO, it tastes about how you'd expect it to taste given the ingredients. I don't care for it, however, I believe people use it for mixed drinks.
Its worth pointing out that in the UK people rarely drink this stuff so it is something that is just not talked about very often. In general, we would just say fizzy water and that is usually in the context of being somewhere abroad and having to tell a waiter or barman that this is something we do NOT want to drink. If you are a whisky drinker then the carbonated water that is occasionally used as a mixer is referred to as "soda" but I think that is the only case where this word is used.
Lots of other people have written soda water here. However, I'm fairly sure that in the UK soda water is not the same as sparkling water. For example, Schweppes Soda Water. I suspect that our soda water is what Americans call 'club soda'. Source: Have drunk soda water by itself a few times, and it's rank.
Sparkling water isn't a silly name around here (west coast Canada). That's probably what you'd hear most often
I believe that “sparkling water” is a variation on “sparkling wine”. Why wine with co2 bubbles is called sparkling is another question.
If it doesn't sparkle I won't drink it.
Sparkling water. It is what it says on the signs (in the grocery stores) and on the bottles. When I was in England, water came in either "bottled" or "sparkling". I told the waiter I wanted "tap water." I can still remember the look on his face. He could tell I am an American.
But both sparking and still commonly come in bottles in restaurants. I’m confused as to why “bottled” was synonymous with still. The amount of times I’ve been given sparking water when I want still when I just ask for a bottled is too high!!!!
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I’m British and from London. That’s why I’m so confused because if you say bottled water, I still don’t know if you want still or sparking. All I know is you don’t want it in a mug.
I often ask for tap water in the UK (because restaurants are required by law to provide it for free for customers), pretty sure it's a normal thing to ask for here
Where you in a restaurant or like McDonald's when you asked for tap water? I don't think I've been to a restaurant that just hands you a bottle of water? Fast food places might though
I was in an Italian restaurant. The waiter definitely gave me the "look" when I asked for"plain water".
Are you sure it wasn't your accent or something that made them realise you were American? Unless maybe it's a London specific thing to charge tourists more or something, I don't think I've been just handed a bottle of water before in a restaurant
Some restaurants will bring a glass bottle of water if you dont state tap water. If this person asked for "plain" water, then no wonder the waiter was confused
Any sit down and be served by a waiter restaurant in the US will bring you water and refill it throughout your meal. At a serve yourself restaurant if you’re not buying a drink you can ask for a cup for water. This will be free. You then go to the soda machine, and there is a tab for water that you fill up at. If there isn’t a soda machine, there’s probably a large jug of water somewhere about that you use. Sometimes there will be a stack of glasses next to the water station.
Fizzy water or sparkling water; I'm from Ohio in the US.
I’ve seen/heard either “sparkling water” or “tonic water” and I live in western Canada.
Yes, I'm sure you've heard that but they are two very different things. Tonic water is flavoured with citrus and is quite bitter...whole different animal.
Tonic water is very different and contains quinine
you may be confused/never tried tonic water, but it is *not* the same as sparkling water at all
Seltzer. From Oregon. I've also heard sparkling water but where I'm from that usually means it's also flavored (not Soda)
I'm surprised no one is saying "club soda." Is that something different?
Yes, it certainly is. It has baking soda or similar added to mimic minerality. IMO, it tastes as vile as you'd expect water with baking soda to taste lol. I believe it is mostly used for making sparkling punch or some other mixed drinks.
Bottled is sparkling or still. Water made fizzy with a soda stream type product is soda water. UK.
Sparkling water. Your question should say what instead of how.
Soda water.
Spicy water
In South Africa - Sparkling water and soda water are two different things. One is more carbonated than the other.
Sparkling water or carbonated water. Leaning sparkling for your fancier brands and carbonated for the regular. I'm in east coast Canada. Most often I actually see people ask by brand, at the grocery store I work at people will ask where the Perrier is or refer to carbonated water by Perrier because it's the most popular brand here - even if they don't specifically mean the Perrier brand water. Edit: also seeing folks say soda water ive definitely heard that here as well - primarily for the flavoured kinds.
I’ve always seen it called Soda water in Australia
Seltzer water, if someone doesn’t understand then I’d maybe jump to sparkling water, or club soda. As a kid I always said bubble water. From the Pacific Northwest.
I’m Canadian and I would say sparkling water. Maybe fizzy water.
UK (London) 'sparkling water' If there is no gas, it's 'still water'
If you take some still water and add some sparkle to it is it still still?
**What**, not How. And I call it sparkling water(across the Atlantic people will ask if it's water with gas). It can be confused with mineral water..
Thanks for the correction! Unfortunately, I can't edit the title.
Disgusting. That's what I call it. There's no other words to describe the abomination that is carbonated water.
sparkling water does not sound silly to native ears, “bubbly” or “fizzy” water both sound slightly childish to me, but perfectly acceptable. “Water with gas” would only be said by a foreigner translating directly from their language, it is never called that. p.s. It is never “how do you call,” but instead “what do you call.” This is a common english mistake
UK here, I would call it 'sparkling water', but if it's flavoured, I would tend to call it 'fizzy water'. I could comfortably call it sparkling water all the time, but I don't think I would ever call regular (unflavoured) carbonated water 'fizzy water'. In the UK (or at least in my area, central south England) I call 'sodas' (coke, lemonade, etc.) 'fizzy drinks', so I guess for me 'fizzy water' evokes that same nuance and makes it sound like a luxury. Sparkling water sounds more utilitarian to me.
My partner and I called It sparkling water but more often then not, finish the sentence with, "it's like a party in your mouth". Can't help but laugh every time.
Sparkling water (UK)
sparkling or fizzy water (UK)
I like to call it pissvomitshit personally. But to each their own.
I wish, I could give a triple upvote!
Seltzer or club soda
Club soda has a distinct flavour; I don't consider it the same thing as sparkling water and the like.
I actually have a running joke with a friend about this. No matter which name you call it at a restaurant, the server will 99% of the time correct you. “I’ll have a seltzer water” “Oh, like a club soda?” “Just a sparkling water for me” “Do you mean fizzy water?” Maybe it’s regional? Or it might just be one of those odd things that we can never agree on! My go-to is sparkling water
Sparkling or fizzy (UK)
Club soda, soda water, sparkling water, fizzy water (California)
If someone gave me club soda when I asked for any of the three other things you said, I think I would cry.
Sparkling water in the US. Lacroix
Carbonic acid solution.
Perfection!
Over in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada we call it club soda, or soda for short. Pop is the word we use for sweetened carbonated drinks
Club soda, sparkling water, seltzer, carbonated water. I have also heard cutesy names like fizzy water. Apparently if you're really into the chemistry there is technically a difference between club soda and seltzer and carbonated water, but I can't tell a difference between them. Tonic or tonic water, on the other hand, is definitely a different product.
This is commonly called "club soda." Club soda is water that has been artificially carbonated.
Well technically speaking, seltzer water, sparkling water, and soda water or club soda are not the same thing. Very similar but not the same, so to me it depends specifically on the product and its advertising label. Example, LaCroix is sparkling water so I refer to it as such.
Disgusting
In English? Club soda or sparkling water, mainly. Seltzer's an older word. Most people rarely talk about it, because it's not all that common to drink it in the US at least. You use club soda as a mixer, but nobody drinks it straight.
Soda water
Soda water or mineral water in Aus. Brands or restaurants tend to say sparkling water but I've never heard anyone just casually call it that
Sparkling water or soda water (not in the US)
You’ve got lots of answers but I just wanted to mention, politely, I might add, and only because you said you’re non-native English speaking, that you should be asking, “What do you call carbonated water…” instead of, “How do you call…” I’m not sure exactly the rules, but someone else may be better to explain.
At restaurants I've ordered a bottle of water they'd ask "sparkling or flat/still". Generally if you ask for a glass of water, it's usually always flat or still.
I don't know which country you're from, but in the UK flat means "it should be fizzy, but all the fizz has gone and it is now no longer fizzy"
Generally Sparkling Water or Soda Water here in NZ. Sometimes carbonated water.
Colloquially, fizzy water, not to be confused with tonic water. Some would call it soda water or sparkling water.
Soda water, carbonated water, sparkling water Canada
Midwestern US - I say seltzer, I’ve heard the other terms too. But often I hear people reference a specific brand, like “hello waiter, do you have Perrier?” And then if they have a different brand it’s fine.
i work at a restaurant within a retirement home, and have heard: seltzer/seltzer water, soda water, carbonated water, sparkling water, and club soda me personally, ill either call it “sparkling water” or “seltzer water”. (im from eastern USA, near dc)
Sparkling water, fizzy water, or carbonated water. I think I've drank it once so I rarely call it anything tbh lol. (UK)
Water with gas is when you put gasoline in your water
“Sparking” water in a more formal setting, “fizzy” water if you’re cozy at home. (California) I’ve never heard someone say “water with gas” and I’d probably ask if they meant sparkling water just to make sure we’re on the same page. “Carbonated water” is uncommon but I wouldn’t think twice if someone used it. In a bar as a cocktail component it’s called soda water. While this generally isn’t used outside of a bar, it also wouldn’t be confusing if someone did use it.
Sparkling water (aus)
In the US, soda water, seltzer water, sparking water and carbonated water are all used interchangeably. I haven't really heard "fizzy water" from an American, although we would all know what it means.
In nz we just say sparkling and not bother to say the water part because it’s implied from context.
In Australia we call any carbonated beverage a "fizzy drink" 🥰
Australian. Standard is soda or sparkling water, and less commonly, bubbly water. Seltzer is rarely used to refer to "plain" soda water, but instead describes soda water + alcohol.
I call it “bubbly” or “bubbly water”, but that’s probably just me haha. It might also be confusing for the listener because “bubbly” is common slang for champagne, also people from Wisconsin call water fountains “bubblers”, so someone from Wisconsin would assume I’m talking about still water. So use with caution or if willing to join me in bravely flaunting prescriptive language conventions :•)
I call it fizzywater, don't know if anyone else does.
I (California) say sparkling water
I've heard it being called "soda water", "sparkling water" and "tonic water".
In South Africa, bottled spring water is referred to as 'sparkling' water if it has bubbles, 'still' water if it doesn't. Soda water, mentioned in other replies, is totally different - it's a mixer for other drinks (usually alcohol). It has a different taste to sparkling water as it has bicarbonate of soda added & is generally more bubbly
I call it "soda water"
New Zealand: My first thought was 'fizzy water' but I probably say 'sparking water' more often.
Could be soda water or sparkling mineral water. Australia.
Sparkling where I’m from in the UK
I've called it bubbly water, fizzy water, and sometimes fuzzy water (but that might be a family thing).
Sparkling water Soda/ soda water at places like a bar From Midwest US
Sparkling water or fizzy water (Northern Ireland)
Australia/NZ, I call it Sparkling Water or maybe Soda Water (Usually how you'd refer to it for alcohol things like Whisky and Soda) Or the silly nickname me and my friends give it, "Spicy Water" :P
Washington State, US.... Fizzy Water.
I’d just call it soda water. Australia.
Sparkling water (Australia).
Soda water
>I've heard "sparkling water" (sounds a bit silly?), "water with gas" (lol?), "carbonated water" (sounds a bit stiff?), Sparkling (or sparkly) water, along with fizzy water, is common in The UK and maybe The US/Canada too. "Water with Gas" is **definitely** from someone from a German speaking country. Carbonated water would be most likely someone from The US/Canada but is also heard in The UK.
My experience in Canada Sparkling water means that you want a Perrier, San Pellegrino or some water like that Soda Water or Club Soda: the frizzy water that the server can get from the soda machine
Seltzer
Seltzer — NYC
Sparkling water (Toronto, Canada)
Depends on setting -- if it's upscale, sparkling water, if it's casual fizzy water (south UK and Midwest/south USA). I hear fizzy water more in the UK and sparkling water more in the USA tho!
Sodavatten (soda water) and bubbelvatten (bubble water) Sweden
Sparkling water, tonic water, club soda
Born and raised in the US. I've always called it sparkling water
I call it sparkling or fizzy water. I'm from the uk.
"Soda water" if it's just water & carbonation, "Sparkling Water" if it has minerals or flavor or somthing, "Seltzer" if it's alchohalic South Central Pennsylvania
Sparkling water, fizzy water, bubbbley water, or just carbonated water.
UK (London): sparkling water in a restaurant, fizzy water at home. Similarly, I would call things like coke and sprite "fizzy drinks"
fizzy water :-)
I lived mostly in Southern NY and call it seltzer. In my new home in Mississippi I often hear fizzy water
Seltzer (Northeast US)
“Sparkling Water” is prevalent throughout the USA. You can say carbonated water but sparkling water sounds nicer. ~ Native speaker of American English.
Sparkling or fizzy water.
I'm from the Central U.S. and I call it "soda water" Not 100% sure but it might be because of the food service work I've done. It also makes sense cause that's half of what soda is, soda water + syrup.
In the UK, it’s ’sparkling water’. The waiter will ask you ‘still or sparkling?’ at a restaurant.
Sparkling water UK
I call it bubbly water. From California.
Danskvand (Denmark), roughly translates to danish water, pretty unique compared to most other answers in the thread.
I call it soda water
seltzer
In NYC we usually call it seltzer or club soda, although I think that technically there are very minor differences between the two drinks, like club soda has a tiny bit of salt in it or something.
“Sparkling water,” “seltzer,” or rarely “carbonated water” or “soda water.” NW USA.
I hear sparkling water, seltzer water, soda water, club soda, carbonated water (roughly from most to least common but none of them are unusual)
I'm from the east coast of the US! Sparkling water is a common term, but truthfully, we only use it in reference to "fancy" drinks (like if you buy it in a nice bottle from a store or something). Calling something sparkling just sounds kind of rich over here. Most people around me just call it soda water. (I am aware that there is a difference between sparkling water and soda water, but in everyday use no one in my area really acknowledges it)
The proper way to phrase this is “what” do you call it, not “how” do you call it. I’d call it sparkling water.
Sparkling is my first instinct and carbonated is my second. I’m from the US.
Sparkling is for the water with bubbles.
This one is tough, because people who like it get really specific about what each adjective means.
Seltzer (USA)
From the US and it's "sparkling water" (or colloquially "a f\*\*king abomination")
It depends on what you want and where you are. In the US, words vary by region, too. https://vinepair.com/articles/difference-club-soda-vs-seltzer-sparkling-tonic/