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drugeteria

A playful, mid-20th century American blend of 'drugstore' and the '-teria' suffix borrowed from cafeteria, used to describe a pharmacy or drugstore — especially one with a soda fountain and lunch counter attached.

dɹuɡiˈɛtiəDocumented since 1950s1950shistorical30 viewsLast reviewed Jun 29, 2026+ Add a definition
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Born ~1950 · no dated citations yet
1950BornToday, 2026

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#1·Apr 28, 2026

A playful, mid-20th century American blend of 'drugstore' and the '-teria' suffix borrowed from cafeteria, used to describe a pharmacy or drugstore — especially one with a soda fountain and lunch counter attached. The suffix gave everyday shops a snappy, modern ring. While the word itself has faded from regular speech, it captures the era when the corner drugeteria was as much a social hub as a place to pick up prescriptions.

They grabbed milkshakes at the drugeteria after school before picking up Grandma's medication.
Origin: Blend of 'drugstore' + '-teria' (from cafeteria); American English, mid-20th century coinage following a trend of adding '-teria' to commercial establishments. Editorial expansion authored on Slangora (model-assisted, hedged).
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#2·Apr 27, 2026

(US) A drugstore; a pharmacy.

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