What Is the Origin of the Drink Name 7-Up?

Some mysteries may never have a satisfactory answer, and the origin of the soft drink name "7-Up" seems to be one of those mysteries. Despite several theories, no one knows for sure what creator C. L. Grigg was going for when he changed the name of his soft drink to 7-Up.

Origin

Gregg used his Howdy Corporation to introduce 7-Up to the world two weeks before the stock market crashed in 1929, according to a writer on the website Twoop. Originally given the unwieldy name "Bib-Label Lithiated Lemon-Lime Soda," the name was changed to 7-Up in 1936 and used the slogan "You Like It, It Likes You."

History

By the late 1940s, 7-Up had become the third-most-popular soft drink in the world. Since then, 7-Up has had a series of successful advertisements, including "The Uncola," its introduction of 7-Up in a liter container with the ad "Follow the Liter," and later with "Make 7-Up Yours."

Possible Definitions

Grigg never revealed the origin of the name "7-Up," but there are plenty of theories. Perhaps the name was based on the seven ingredients in the original formula, or due to the fact that it was originally sold in seven-ounce bottles, according to the Snopes website. Grigg also suggested that it could cure mankind's "seven hangovers." The most popular theory is that Grigg saw a "u" and a "7" branded on cattle and thought it distinctive enough to use as a name.

References

• Twoop: 7-Up Timeline and History
• Cadbury Schweppes America's Beverages: 7-Up Full History
• Snopes: 7-Up

Resources

• The Straight Dope: What's the Origin of "7-Up?"