Cabinets or Cupboards ? (sink, cabinet, porch, room)

[psr13]

I say both interchangeably.

[kcam213]

I like the answer someone gave about not saying KITCHEN cupboards. I too will talk about my kitchen cabinets when describing my kitchen, however when giving someone directions on locating dishes, I will say "the cupboard next to the sink"

[BRH]

Here in East Tennessee, I've always called them cabinets. I've heard older family members use the term cupboards, but never anyone my age or younger (I'm 39). Also, when I've heard the term cupboard used by older people in my area and the South, it is usually pronounced "cubbard". (got to love that Appalachian dialect.)

Also, as far as the other terms brought up, I would use "couch", not "sofa"; "stove", not "range", and definitely "soda", not "pop".

Also, speaking of odd uses of terms, it is quite common in this area (and most of the South) to hear the midday meal referred to as "dinner" and the evening meal as "supper". I know in most other areas it would be breakfast, lunch, dinner. But in the South, if you ask to meet someone at dinner, they are probably talking about lunch, and not the evening meal. Anyway, just another one I thought I'd throw in.

[KittySkyfish]

I say both interchangeably too.

I'm 38 and grew up saying cupboard for the specific section of closed shelving that housed plates and cups. The rest of the 'cabinets' held everything else.

[desertsun41]

It's interesting to see where people are from that call them cubboards. It's also interesting to see that some people call them cupboards because of a piece of furniture they grew up with rather then because where they grew up.

[beachmel]

I usually say cupboards.....unless I'm talking about painting some.....then I say, "I'm painting the kitchen cabinets". At home....I never say cabinets....only cupboards. We put our dishes in the cupboards, the food in the cupboards, etc. Cabinets sound so formal I guess.....cupboards sound more homey to me. Just my opinion. I suppose it all depends on where you were raised or where your parents were raised, eh? Chair vs recliner, couch vs sofa, range vs stove, pop vs soda, potato vs taters, fridge vs ice box, car vs vehicle?

[SoHoVe]

My mother who was raised in Indiana says Cupboards and her mother did as well.
I say cabinets as does my father who was raised in Chicago.
His mother always used the word Davenport for couch.
I was raised hearing sofa but now use the word couch.

Intersting thread.

[VegasGrace]

Originally Posted by desertsun41

After being in the business for 3 decades it still amazes me when a customer asks for cupboards. What is a cupboard? A cupboard was a term used for a side table or an open shelf to store cups and plates back in Victorian times. Only in recent times has a cupboard been referred to as a storage area behind closed doors more commonly known as a cabinet.

I do know it's a cultural and regional thing so I wont go into that. But I am curious as to what you call your storage area in the kitchen.

I've just has custom cupboards installed in my home because I don't like kitchen cabinets. To me, there is a difference. Cabinets seem to be box-like storage units that are placed side by side or stacked w/ drawer units.

Cupboards are one unit for the entire wall. When I open the cupboard and peak in- I can see all the way down- not stopping in a foot due to the walls of the cabinets.

Just my thoughts.

[Cattknap]

Originally Posted by rrtechno

I don't really care. According to Merriam-Webster, a cupboard is a closet for storing dishes, food, etc. I certainly would not get worked up or even "amazed" if someone called it a cupboard if I preferred it be called a cabinet. And I'm sure "Custom Cupboards" with over 170 dealers nationwide, doesn't think it makes a difference either. Custom Cupboards Home | Fine Quality Kitchen Cabinets | Bathroom Cabinets | Office Cabinets

Ditto.

[middle-aged mom]

Originally Posted by cncsmomndad

I call them cabinets.

My mom still calls the fridge "ice box".

I do too and I have never seen a true " ice box".