The burning question that has likely plagued dessert enthusiasts and grammar aficionados alike: Is “sundae” spelled with a capital S? The answer, like the perfect sundae itself, isn’t entirely straightforward and comes with a fascinating historical scoop. Let’s delve into the sweet details and put this capitalization conundrum to rest.
The Sundae’s Sweet Origin Story
To understand the capitalization rules, we must first explore the origin of the word “sundae” itself. Unlike many food items with simple origins (like “sandwich,” named after the Earl of Sandwich), the sundae’s genesis is shrouded in a delightful mix of legend and competing claims.
One widely accepted version points to Evanston, Illinois, in the late 19th century. Evanston had (and still has) laws prohibiting the sale of soda on Sundays. A local soda fountain owner, seeking to circumvent this prohibition and still cater to his customers’ sweet cravings, created a dessert that resembled an ice cream soda but without the carbonated beverage.
Another popular theory places the sundae’s invention in Two Rivers, Wisconsin. According to this account, a customer named George Hallauer asked Edward Berners, a soda fountain owner, to top a dish of ice cream with the syrup used for ice cream sodas. Berners obliged, and the resulting creation became a hit. When Hallauer requested it again the following Sunday, Berners dubbed it a “Sunday,” which was later adapted to “sundae” to avoid offending religious sensibilities.
Regardless of its exact point of origin, the sundae quickly gained popularity, becoming a staple treat in soda fountains and ice cream parlors across the United States. Its rise coincided with the temperance movement and the growing popularity of ice cream as a socially acceptable indulgence.
The Capitalization Conundrum: Proper Noun vs. Common Noun
The core of the capitalization question rests on whether “sundae” is considered a proper noun or a common noun. A proper noun refers to a specific person, place, or thing and is always capitalized (e.g., Chicago, Shakespeare, Amazon). A common noun, on the other hand, refers to a general category or class of things and is typically not capitalized (e.g., city, writer, river).
Initially, with its ties to the day of the week, “Sunday” (and subsequently “sundae” in its early iterations) was likely treated as a proper noun, as it was derived from the name of a specific day. Early advertisements and newspaper articles often capitalized the word “Sundae,” reflecting this perceived connection.
However, as the sundae became more widespread and its association with the specific day of the week faded, it began to be regarded as a common noun, referring to any dessert of ice cream topped with syrup, fruit, nuts, and other toppings. This shift in perception led to the gradual adoption of the lowercase spelling, “sundae.”
The Modern Usage: Lowercase is the Norm
Today, the universally accepted and correct spelling of “sundae” is with a lowercase “s.” Major dictionaries, style guides, and grammatical resources all confirm that “sundae” is now considered a common noun and therefore should not be capitalized unless it appears at the beginning of a sentence or within a title where capitalization rules dictate otherwise.
Think of it this way: you wouldn’t capitalize “cake,” “cookie,” or “pie,” would you? Similarly, “sundae,” having become a generic term for a type of dessert, follows the same grammatical convention.
Exceptions and Nuances
While lowercase “sundae” is the standard, there are a few exceptions and nuances to consider:
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Brand Names: If a specific brand or company uses “Sundae” as part of its name, it should be capitalized (e.g., “Sundae’s Ice Cream Parlor”). This is because brand names are considered proper nouns.
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Historical Context: When referring to the early days of the sundae, particularly when quoting historical sources or analyzing early advertisements, you might encounter capitalized versions of “Sundae.” In these cases, maintaining the original capitalization is appropriate for historical accuracy.
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Stylistic Choices: In rare instances, an author or publication might choose to capitalize “Sundae” for stylistic emphasis or to create a particular effect. However, this is generally not recommended unless there is a clear and justifiable reason for deviating from the standard rule.
The Enduring Appeal of the Sundae
Regardless of its capitalization, the sundae remains a beloved dessert worldwide. Its versatility and customizable nature allow for endless variations, catering to a wide range of tastes and preferences. From the classic hot fudge sundae to more elaborate creations featuring exotic fruits, gourmet sauces, and artisanal ice cream, the sundae continues to evolve and delight.
The sundae’s enduring appeal also lies in its nostalgic associations. For many, it evokes memories of childhood trips to the ice cream parlor, family celebrations, and simple pleasures. Its comforting sweetness and playful presentation make it a perfect treat for any occasion.
Variations and Toppings Galore
One of the most exciting aspects of the sundae is the sheer number of possible variations. From the ice cream base to the toppings and sauces, the possibilities are virtually limitless.
Classic sundae variations include:
- Hot Fudge Sundae: Vanilla ice cream topped with hot fudge sauce, whipped cream, and a cherry.
- Brownie Sundae: A warm brownie topped with ice cream, chocolate sauce, and nuts.
- Banana Split: A banana split lengthwise, topped with scoops of vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry ice cream, each with its own sauce and toppings.
- Turtle Sundae: Vanilla ice cream topped with caramel sauce, hot fudge sauce, pecans, and whipped cream.
Toppings can range from the traditional (sprinkles, nuts, cherries, whipped cream) to the more adventurous (candied bacon, pretzels, exotic fruits, spicy sauces). The key is to find a combination of flavors and textures that you enjoy.
Sauces play a crucial role in enhancing the sundae experience. Popular choices include hot fudge, caramel, butterscotch, chocolate syrup, and fruit sauces.
The Art of Sundae Making
While assembling a sundae may seem simple, there is an art to creating the perfect one. Here are a few tips to elevate your sundae-making skills:
- Start with high-quality ice cream: The ice cream is the foundation of the sundae, so choose a brand and flavor that you love.
- Warm your sauces: Slightly warming your sauces will make them easier to pour and enhance their flavor.
- Layer your ingredients: Start with a layer of ice cream, followed by sauce, toppings, and then more ice cream. This ensures that every bite is filled with flavor.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment: Try new combinations of flavors and textures to create your own signature sundae.
- Serve immediately: Sundaes are best enjoyed fresh, before the ice cream melts.
Conclusion: Sundae’s Lowercase Reign
So, is “sundae” spelled with a capital S? The definitive answer is no. Unless it’s part of a brand name, appears at the beginning of a sentence, or is used in a historical context where capitalization was previously common, “sundae” should be written in lowercase. This dessert, born from creative necessity and a desire for sweet indulgence, has evolved into a ubiquitous and beloved treat, solidifying its place as a common noun in the English language. Now that the capitalization question is settled, go forth and enjoy your next sundae – lowercase “s” and all! It’s time to indulge in the delightful combination of ice cream, toppings, and sauces that make this dessert a timeless classic.
Is “sundae” always spelled with a capital “S”?
The word “sundae” is generally spelled with a lowercase “s” in standard American English. It functions as a common noun, referring to a type of ice cream dessert. Think of it like “cake” or “pie” – you wouldn’t capitalize those words unless they are part of a proper noun. The same principle applies to “sundae.”
However, you might see “Sundae” capitalized, and this usually happens when referring to a specific business or brand name that uses “Sundae” as part of its title. For example, if there’s a restaurant called “Sundae’s Delights,” the word “Sundae’s” would be capitalized because it’s a proper noun referring to that particular establishment. Otherwise, stick with the lowercase “s” for the generic dessert.
Where does the word “sundae” originate from, and does that impact its capitalization?
Several competing origin stories exist, adding to the word’s intrigue. One popular theory suggests that the sundae originated in the late 19th century as an alternative to ice cream sodas, which were discouraged on Sundays due to blue laws prohibiting the sale of certain treats on the Sabbath. Another version credits a soda fountain worker who, on a whim, topped ice cream with syrup, creating the first sundae.
Regardless of the exact origin, the word “sundae” derives from the day “Sunday” but it quickly evolved into a descriptor for a specific dessert. This process, known as genericization, is what allows us to use “sundae” as a common noun, freeing it from the capitalization rule that would normally apply to proper nouns like days of the week. The origin is fascinating, but it ultimately doesn’t dictate capitalization in modern usage.
Are there any regional differences in how “sundae” is capitalized?
Generally, capitalization of “sundae” doesn’t vary significantly across different regions of the English-speaking world. The lowercase “s” is the standard and accepted form in most dictionaries and style guides used in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.
While you might encounter occasional instances of capitalized “Sundae” online or in informal writing, this is usually a matter of personal preference or error rather than a genuine regional difference. Formal publications, businesses, and academic writing will consistently use the lowercase form unless the word is part of a proper noun, like a brand name or a name of an event.
Does the type of sundae (e.g., hot fudge sundae) affect capitalization?
No, the specific type of sundae does not affect whether you should capitalize the word. Whether it’s a hot fudge sundae, a banana split sundae, or any other variation, “sundae” remains a common noun and should be written in lowercase. The descriptive words like “hot fudge” or “banana split” simply modify the noun “sundae.”
Think of it similarly to how you wouldn’t capitalize “cake” in “chocolate cake” or “pie” in “apple pie.” The descriptive adjectives simply provide more detail about the type of dessert, but they don’t change the grammatical function of the word “sundae” itself. Therefore, keep it lowercase regardless of the toppings or flavors involved.
Are there any style guides that recommend capitalizing “Sundae”?
While it is possible that some very specific and niche style guides might advocate for capitalizing “Sundae,” the vast majority of reputable style guides, such as the Associated Press (AP) Stylebook, the Chicago Manual of Style, and the MLA Handbook, recommend using the lowercase “s” for “sundae” when referring to the dessert.
These style guides are widely used by journalists, writers, editors, and academics to ensure consistency and accuracy in writing. Therefore, unless you are specifically required to follow a less common style guide that dictates otherwise, adhering to the lowercase “s” for “sundae” will align your writing with professional standards.
If “Sundae” is used in a headline, should it be capitalized?
The capitalization of “Sundae” in a headline depends on the specific style guidelines followed by the publication or website. Many news organizations and online publications adhere to headline capitalization rules that dictate capitalizing all major words, including nouns. In this case, “Sundae” would be capitalized.
However, some publications follow different headline styles where only the first word and proper nouns are capitalized. In that case, “sundae” would remain lowercase if it’s not the first word. The important point is to maintain consistency within the same publication and adhere to their internal style guide. Check the publication’s guidelines or follow general headline capitalization conventions.
Is there a difference between “Sundae” and “Sunday” in terms of capitalization rules?
Yes, there is a significant difference. “Sunday” is the name of a day of the week and, as such, is always capitalized because it is a proper noun. Days of the week, months, and holidays are all capitalized as a matter of standard English grammar.
“Sundae,” on the other hand, is a common noun referring to a type of dessert. While it may have originated from the word “Sunday,” it has evolved into a separate word with its own capitalization rules. Therefore, “Sunday” is always capitalized, while “sundae” is generally lowercase unless it’s part of a proper noun like a business name.