“It wouldn’t be the first time hipsters spoiled something for America,” says Smithsonian.
According to Encyclopedia Britannica, “The word sherbet derives from the Persian sharbat, an iced fruit drink; iced desserts were introduced to the West via the Middle East. In the late 20th century there was a revival of the practice of serving a tart sherbet or sorbet between the courses of an elaborate meal to refresh the palate.” The iced confection is often served as a dessert, or as a palate cleanser between courses of a fine meal.
Millions of Americans pronounce it “sherbert,” so much so that Merriam-Webster now includes “sherbert” as an alternative. How did this happen, and why?
