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Getting Fizzy With It - The Rise and Fall of the Soda Jerk
Have you ever wondered why we call someone a "jerk" when they’re being a bit of a tool? In 2026, the word is a staple of our digital lexicon, but its origin isn’t found in a toxic comment section—it’s found behind a marble counter covered in chocolate syrup. Welcome to Dirt Nap City, where this week we dive into the carbonated history of the Soda Jerk, the original masters of the beverage universe.
In this episode, we’re traveling back to the mid-19th century to explore the origins of the soda fountain. Long before it was a fast-food staple, the soda fountain was a high-end "health"…
The skinny
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