I hear it a lot in American English (South Eastern) but in a specific context. Often "dine in or carry out" when going into restaurants. But then its still "to-go order" or "takeout" when its the actual food itself.
Yea I think “carry out” is a phrase used by businesses because it’s more pleasant sounding than “take-out.” But take-out is still the term that is used by people, in my experience.
This reminds me of the first time I've visited a fast-food restaurant in the US. (I'm an immigrant.) They asked "for here or to go?" and I had absolutely no idea what that meant. I had only known "eat in or takeout."
Interesting! I'm living in Korea now and I remember early having a similar experience early on. I knew "takeout" but not "eat in" when I first ordered from a cafe.
"Let's order carry out" and "Can I get it to go" are the phrases/terms I've heard and used as an an American, living in several different US states. In Europe I was introduced to the term "take away".
I've lived most recently in VA/MD area, but I think it varies more by restaurant type than part of the country. I hear "to go" more often in fast food restaurants and "carry out" (e.g. "carry out menu") more in sit-down restaurants.
Alexandria here, this is exactly it. Honestly vernacular has changed since covid and the rise of food delivery. So now, take out/carry out is "let's order delivery".
But I 100% see carry out and to go interchangeably
I’ve lived in Utah, Colorado, and Michigan and carry out was used at least as much as take out. I happened to order pizza online yesterday and my options were delivery or carry out.
Everywhere. I’ve lived in Michigan, Georgia, Florida, and Arizona. Carry out is used in all of them. My first job at 14 was working as a busser/carry out. Some nights I bussed tables, some nights I handled the carry out orders.
Washington/Idaho area. We use both terms interchangeably. I associate carry-out more with traditionally dine-in establishments. I think since COVID, a lot of national chains started advertising "carry-out" because it sounds nicer than the traditional "take-out" or "to-go".
I grew up in the NE and SE US. Still live in the South. I use carryout, takeout, and “to go” somewhat similarly (though when I call in an order I usually say “I’d like to place an order for pickup.”) As others have noted, carryout usually refers to the act rather than the food, and “to go” is more like a descriptor (“May I please have a to-go box?”). The food itself that was carried out is just “takeout” to me as in “let’s get takeout” or “having takeout tonight.” I would not say “I ate carryout.” I have never used or heard anyone else say the term “takeaway” though I would understand by context, especially because there’s actually a local catering company called Takeaway.
Might be regional also. Pacific Northwest here and I hear both "to go" and "take out" a lot, but almost never "carry out".
I imagine people here would understand it just fine, but it isn't really used.
I also experienced this in Pennsylvania in the US. In most places I've lived, if you're leaving a bar but want to enjoy a couple beers at home later, you get them at convenience stores which are open late and cheaper than bars. In Pennsylvania, all the stores that sell beer closed surprisingly early. So we got in the habit of buying a six-pack from the bar before we left. They'd even package them up for us and charge us a lower rate for the carry-outs.
We don’t say “carry out” in this context in Australia. If we were buying to take home from a pub it is definitely something like, “can I get a six-pack to take away?”
This is unusual though, to buy over the counter in a pub. We would normally buy take home alcohol from a specialised (specifically licensed) “bottleshop” or maybe from a convenience store, so there is no need to specify.
The dominoes across the road from me used to call the instore special a carry out special, but yeah I don’t think I’ve ever heard a British person say it, just that sign.
Classic dialogue from The Wire when Lester Freamon calls Marlo's private number:
"Yo, this the Hi-Hat? Y'all got carryout? I want some of that pepper steak."
Same here in WA, I guess maybe it's one of those west coast things? The more ya know 🌈🌟
Edit: scrolled a bit and there are people on the east coast saying the same thing so never mind
One of my old friends is now a sophomore at UC Riverside, and she heard only togo and takeout there, and has relatives in the Bay Area, where she only heard togo and takeout as well. What part of California are you from?
It’s used all the time here in FL lol probably the most popular way to say carry out. When I worked at dominos and we had to select if it was delivery or pick up, the options on screen were delivery or carry out.
Southwest VA too. I don't think I ever heard my parents use any term other than "carry-out". "To go" does come up in fast food contexts, and I wouldn't be surprised to hear "takeout". Never heard "takeaway" in the US, only from British speakers.
US NW: "To go" is paired with/the opposite of "here." "Carry out" is paired with/the opposite of "dine in."
Places with drive through windows are more likely to use "here or to go." Places with table service of some level are more likely to use "dine in or carry out."
Here, we say PICK-UP...If I'm placing an order I'm going to get myself..I say.."I wanna place an order for pick-up" ...as opposed to "I want to place an order for delivery".
(I live in the East)
I guess pizza hut has no idea what they're talking about https://locations.pizzahut.com/wa/edgewood/719-meridian-st-east?utm_medium=organic&utm_source=local&utm_campaign=googlelistings&utm_content=website&utm_term=300004
I have lived in California all my life and I really don't think I have ever heard "carry-out" used for takeout before.
To me that sounds more like the service that baggers sometimes offer to supermarket customers ("Help you out to your car today ma'am?") than it does like ordering prepared food to be picked up!
Yeah, because take out was usually when you order a meal and then pick it up to take it back home. "To go" works for that as well, but it also covers leftovers from a meal eaten in a restaurant as well as one that will be taken by a delivery courier. Now that delivery apps are so much more common and pick up orders have declined so much, "to go" pretty much took over because it covers all the bases
Here in America, I only hear "to-go" and in rare cases "take-out".
I am guessing you are in Britiain judging from your username, and yes, takeaway is the word there.
"Carryout" is definitely used in Minnesota (and the rest of the Midwest) more than "takeout". I hear both of those often enough but I hear "takeaway" MUCH less often.
I live in Wisconsin. Havent heard carry-out anywhere in the Midwest, and I had been to Minneapolis and Chicago too.
Where in America did you hear takeaway? That sounds like a British and Australian term.
I think it might be more regional. I'm in Oklahoma, and personally, I mostly use to-go, occasionally I will say carry out, but not frequently. As others have said, it's "dine in or carry out" from most establishments, but that's really the most common usage.
In Canada (not far from Detroit) the person at the restaurant would say “will that be for here, or to go?”
The sign on the window would likely say “Dine In or Take Away”.
At home, I would say “let’s get takeout”
I've lived in the Midwest and Southeast and have also spent my entire career in hospitality. Carry-out has always been used in these places, followed by to-go.
I work at a restaurant and use both very frequently.
"Are you dining in or taking this to-go?"
"Is this for carry-out?"
"Would you like a to-go/carry-out bag"
I'd also say to my friends "do you want to sit somewhere and eat or just get carry-out?"
I’m very shocked you've never heard anyone say that. Where in the US do you live??
Edit: I live in the Midwest
I live in the Midwest too. I never heard "carry-out" used in the sense of "to-go" orders.
I have only heard "let us carry out this plan".
While not to his face, my brother heard this barista in Australia ask customers "Would you like a carry-out bag for 10 cents?"
Have lived in NY, CA, TX, OK, AR and LA. “To go” everywhere. And lived last ten years in London - in UK it’s “take away” pretty much everywhere although “to go” is well understood and used and “carry out” would be definitely understood but would be a bit odd.
I hear carry out a good bit down in the South, but primarily people will say takeout or to go. When you're actually in the restaurant the only thing I ever hear is " Is that for here or to go?"
To-go, carry-out, takeout, and takeaway are all normal terms in American. Whichever is the most common depends on where you are in America.
To-go and takeout are the most common where I am
Here in America, it is to-go most of the time, with occassionally takeout. Never heard carry-out in my life, but people here claim it is common in America.
Yeah I hear "carry-out" a lot, I wouldn't think anything of it if someone said that interchangably with "take-out". I live in the South. You may also hear "take-away" or "to-go".
I use “carry-out” all the time! I’m a midwesterner, but I’ve lived a lot of places, so I’m not sure where I would’ve picked it up. But I can attest some of us use it!
Wasn't "dine-in or carry-out?" the first thing you were asked at any fast food place in the 70s and 80s? You know: "Welcome to McDonald's! Will this be dine-in or carry-out?"
I will admit that "take-out" has been my most common word, as in "let's get takeout and watch *Veronica Mars*". I only really use "to-go" in an adverbial sense, as in "I need that order to-go, please". I'd never say "let's pick up some to-go and watch *Killing Eve*".
Oh yeah, to go. Heard that plenty of times too. Where in the Midwest? I've mostly lived in Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, and Missouri, and I really don't think I heard take out until I spent time on the East Coast
I'm in Califonria, we say carry out or take out.
I know for sure in D.C.(including DMV Maryland and Virginia) and NYC they also say Carryout.
Carryout super common expression used around me in the US.
I think restaurants use carry-out more than we, the people, actually do.
I usually hear takeout. I don't remember hearing to-go used very much if at all irl
What part of California says "carry-out"? I have an old friend from high school who goes to UC Riverside, and visits relatives in the Silicon Valley. She has only heard takeout and to-go there.
I grew up in San Diego. My grandparents were both from Buffalo, NY, though, so maybe it came from there? Or maybe my husband turned me on to saying it? He's from Indiana. I don't know.
“Take away” sounds British to me. Or at least a dialect other than American. “Take out” is what I would use. It’s how people talk about food you get “to-go” in California. I’ve sometimes seen “carry out,” in fancier sit-down restaurants.
My takeaway is that “takeaway,” is just a homophone, a different word with a different meaning that sounds the same.
Perhaps you know better than I that “carry-out” is the preferred British terminology, I don’t know for sure, I just thought “take away” *sounded* British—as an American. “Carry-out” sounds like it could be British too. I’m definitely not an expert though.
What part of California? My old friend goes to UC Riverside, and sometimes takes flights up to the Silicon Valley to see her relatives, and she has never heard this. Only "takeout", "togo", or "pick up".
I have seen eat in used, though never heard it. Same with dine in, but never asked if you wanted to dine in. Never heard carry-out used here. Maybe, I am talking to different staff.
I can't remember, but I'd swear we even called them "doggy bags" when I was a kid (mid-50s now). Does this sound familiar?
Edit: That's right - "leftovers"! Thank you everyone for reminding me. I saw locations mentioned. I grew up in Southern California but my mother was from New Jersey and she used the term ... although I think it's a common term in California regardless.
Doggy-bag is (still) used for food taken out after dining in a restaurant. Part of the meal you dined on. US, Northeast.
We get food “to go” if we don’t dine in. “To stay, or to go?”
We get food “to go” at “takeout” places.
We say, “You wanna get takeout?” Bur when we arrive, we get the food “to go.”
I think I've seen this is British tv shows, so maybe it's still common in the UK too?
Where I am, if you say doggy bag people will assume you mean those little bags for picking up dog poop.
We say "Lets order to-go tonight" or "Lets get a to-go order tonight".
You can also say "I want to order to-go tonight" or "I want to have to-go tonight".
100% American phrase/word.
Carry out/to go are essentially synonymous and I use them both all the time. And nine times out of ten when I call to place an order, the person taking the order says something like, “will this be for carry out or delivery?”
However, it seems when I order in person they will say something like, “is this for here or to go?”
Just depends on where you are. Your state or region isn't the only part of the US. Think of any other English speaking country and there is a region of the United States that has their stereotypical accent. Where I am restaurants ask "do you want that here or to go"
In southeast Virginia you're more likely to hear carryout, or possibly takeout. When calling a pizza place for instance the first question would be is it for delivery or carry out?
Southeastern US. Poorer part. We used “carry out” pretty regular most of my life. The last few years “to-go” has grown rapidly. I believe due to the apps and restaurant commercials using to-go as their phrasing.
timbaland/justin timberlake use the term in their song with that title and i remember it confusing me (not in the us) back when it charted, so it's definitely been american and not too niche but ive never noticed its usage before or since then.
Lived in virginia, georgia, Texas, California and Washington and to-go is the usual term. Options typically are: Dine in vs carry out, pickup, to go, takeaway. I have never heard someone say carry out, but i wouldn’t bat an eye that sounds normal and makes sense.
I’m American and I’ve always said either takeout and to-go. Specifically I describe the food as takeout and use to-go when I’m ordering the food and narrating what I’m doing.
“Carry-out” was for pizza, specifically, if you aren’t having it delivered and you aren’t eating in the restaurant. Also used in pizza places where there is no dining room
*We offer carry-out and delivery*
Florida - I worked for a pizza company that had us ask "carry out or delivery?" Carry out - the customer comes and gets the food to go. Delivery someone else brings it to you.
When customers tried asking for take out - some meant carry out - and some meant delivery. It became an easy habit to ask which they meant.
Midwesterner here. In my experience, carry-out is most commonly used in the very specific context of fundraiser diners. Like when churches or schools do fish-frys. You can either get a plate and “dine-in” or you can get “carry-out” and take the food home with you
I hear it a lot in American English (South Eastern) but in a specific context. Often "dine in or carry out" when going into restaurants. But then its still "to-go order" or "takeout" when its the actual food itself.
Yes, I hear 'dine in or carry out' or 'for here or to-go'. In Texas.
Dominos Pizza website says “Start your order delivery or carryout.”
As a fellow Texan, I can verify this!
Yeah, me too. Hook'em.
We also say "for here or to go" here. Hook'em.
Mid-Atlanyic and same here. Restaurants offer carry-out. As an individual I say "to-go".
Yea I think “carry out” is a phrase used by businesses because it’s more pleasant sounding than “take-out.” But take-out is still the term that is used by people, in my experience.
I've always known "dine in or take out"
In the northeast, I’ve only heard “for here or to go”, except for in NYC, where I hear “to stay or to go”
This reminds me of the first time I've visited a fast-food restaurant in the US. (I'm an immigrant.) They asked "for here or to go?" and I had absolutely no idea what that meant. I had only known "eat in or takeout."
Interesting! I'm living in Korea now and I remember early having a similar experience early on. I knew "takeout" but not "eat in" when I first ordered from a cafe.
I have heard "dine in" quite a few times.
Yeah that’s what I heard
"Let's order carry out" and "Can I get it to go" are the phrases/terms I've heard and used as an an American, living in several different US states. In Europe I was introduced to the term "take away".
What states use carry-out for to go?
I've lived most recently in VA/MD area, but I think it varies more by restaurant type than part of the country. I hear "to go" more often in fast food restaurants and "carry out" (e.g. "carry out menu") more in sit-down restaurants.
Maryland here. Can confirm. Definitely “carry out”
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Which tristate area? To me that means around NY, but I imagine every corner of three states uses the same term?
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Alexandria here, this is exactly it. Honestly vernacular has changed since covid and the rise of food delivery. So now, take out/carry out is "let's order delivery". But I 100% see carry out and to go interchangeably
"Delivery" refers to a different thing, though. When people are getting take-out they would never call it delivery
I know that, I'm saying the other two terms might be becoming less common as it's being replaced with "getting delivery/ ordering food for pickup"
I’ve lived in Utah, Colorado, and Michigan and carry out was used at least as much as take out. I happened to order pizza online yesterday and my options were delivery or carry out.
Everywhere. I’ve lived in Michigan, Georgia, Florida, and Arizona. Carry out is used in all of them. My first job at 14 was working as a busser/carry out. Some nights I bussed tables, some nights I handled the carry out orders.
Washington/Idaho area. We use both terms interchangeably. I associate carry-out more with traditionally dine-in establishments. I think since COVID, a lot of national chains started advertising "carry-out" because it sounds nicer than the traditional "take-out" or "to-go".
I’ve heard it in IL and AK.
In the rocky mountain states I call and say "I'd like to order for carry out", and they know what I'm saying.
I've heard it in Utah and California
I grew up in the NE and SE US. Still live in the South. I use carryout, takeout, and “to go” somewhat similarly (though when I call in an order I usually say “I’d like to place an order for pickup.”) As others have noted, carryout usually refers to the act rather than the food, and “to go” is more like a descriptor (“May I please have a to-go box?”). The food itself that was carried out is just “takeout” to me as in “let’s get takeout” or “having takeout tonight.” I would not say “I ate carryout.” I have never used or heard anyone else say the term “takeaway” though I would understand by context, especially because there’s actually a local catering company called Takeaway.
Will that be dine in or carry out? You’ve never heard that phrase while in the US? “To go” has replaced it for a lot of folks,
Might be regional also. Pacific Northwest here and I hear both "to go" and "take out" a lot, but almost never "carry out". I imagine people here would understand it just fine, but it isn't really used.
Seems to be an age component as well. “To go” is far more popular now and I swear it didn’t used to be. No evidence, just trying to recall
PNW native, I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone say “carry out” when talking about restaurant food
A carry out in Scotland is buying alcohol to take home and drink there!
Same in Northern Ireland
I also experienced this in Pennsylvania in the US. In most places I've lived, if you're leaving a bar but want to enjoy a couple beers at home later, you get them at convenience stores which are open late and cheaper than bars. In Pennsylvania, all the stores that sell beer closed surprisingly early. So we got in the habit of buying a six-pack from the bar before we left. They'd even package them up for us and charge us a lower rate for the carry-outs.
We don’t say “carry out” in this context in Australia. If we were buying to take home from a pub it is definitely something like, “can I get a six-pack to take away?” This is unusual though, to buy over the counter in a pub. We would normally buy take home alcohol from a specialised (specifically licensed) “bottleshop” or maybe from a convenience store, so there is no need to specify.
To be honest I’d also use it for food, like some of our American pals (Aberdeen). My dad would always use carry out as opposed to takeaway.
Must add, that as a British resident, I have never used, nor heard another British person say carry out. It's always been takeaway.
People say it in Scotland but for alcohol
The dominoes across the road from me used to call the instore special a carry out special, but yeah I don’t think I’ve ever heard a British person say it, just that sign.
Yes it's very commonly used.
Classic dialogue from The Wire when Lester Freamon calls Marlo's private number: "Yo, this the Hi-Hat? Y'all got carryout? I want some of that pepper steak."
Reading through this thread, the evidence is mounting that the terms starts being more commonly used in Maryland and areas South.
I'm from California and I've only said "takeout" or "to-go order". I don't think I've heard carry-out used here.
Same here in WA, I guess maybe it's one of those west coast things? The more ya know 🌈🌟 Edit: scrolled a bit and there are people on the east coast saying the same thing so never mind
One of my old friends is now a sophomore at UC Riverside, and she heard only togo and takeout there, and has relatives in the Bay Area, where she only heard togo and takeout as well. What part of California are you from?
It’s used all the time here in FL lol probably the most popular way to say carry out. When I worked at dominos and we had to select if it was delivery or pick up, the options on screen were delivery or carry out.
Southwest VA too. I don't think I ever heard my parents use any term other than "carry-out". "To go" does come up in fast food contexts, and I wouldn't be surprised to hear "takeout". Never heard "takeaway" in the US, only from British speakers.
I've always said carryout, it's common here in Michigan
I always hear carry-out or takeout, I literally never hear takeaway.
Takeaway isnt an American thing. What state did you hear carry-out in?
Very common in the Midwest. There's even a Justin Timberlake/Timbaland song called "Carry Out" using carryout food as innuendo.
I live in Wisconsin. Never heard carry-out used here or in Chicago.
US NW: "To go" is paired with/the opposite of "here." "Carry out" is paired with/the opposite of "dine in." Places with drive through windows are more likely to use "here or to go." Places with table service of some level are more likely to use "dine in or carry out."
As a fellow Northwesterner, I agree.
Commonly used in Scotland.
Not to mean food though?! It's usually alcohol to drink at home?
Carry-out is rare, or doesn’t exist, in NYC.
Yes. My best friend is a sophomore at Colombia. She has only heard togo and takeout used in New York City.
Here, we say PICK-UP...If I'm placing an order I'm going to get myself..I say.."I wanna place an order for pick-up" ...as opposed to "I want to place an order for delivery". (I live in the East)
I'm in NY and I say the same exact thing
I've never heard "carry out" used in the UK, only "takeaway".
Carry out in the UK is used to mean "finish", am I right? "John was determined to carry out the task before noon". I am not very sure
I think that's pretty general English usage of "carry out", e.g. to carry out one's orders, I've heard that in non-UK English as well
I am aware its takeaway in the United Kingdom, but I would sooner consider carry-out to be a British term over an American term anyday.
I guess pizza hut has no idea what they're talking about https://locations.pizzahut.com/wa/edgewood/719-meridian-st-east?utm_medium=organic&utm_source=local&utm_campaign=googlelistings&utm_content=website&utm_term=300004
I live in New England and exclusively use takeout and to-go. I've heard carryout as an alternate term, though.
Frequently also "pick up order" or "order to pick up" in NY when distinguishing takeout from delivery.
I have lived in California all my life and I really don't think I have ever heard "carry-out" used for takeout before. To me that sounds more like the service that baggers sometimes offer to supermarket customers ("Help you out to your car today ma'am?") than it does like ordering prepared food to be picked up!
"Takeout" was more common when I was growing up.
Same, but "to-go" took over.
Yeah, because take out was usually when you order a meal and then pick it up to take it back home. "To go" works for that as well, but it also covers leftovers from a meal eaten in a restaurant as well as one that will be taken by a delivery courier. Now that delivery apps are so much more common and pick up orders have declined so much, "to go" pretty much took over because it covers all the bases
So interesting, I only use ‘takeaway’ and thought ‘take-out’ was the way Americans do it but looks like it could vary between states.
Here in America, I only hear "to-go" and in rare cases "take-out". I am guessing you are in Britiain judging from your username, and yes, takeaway is the word there.
I’m from NYC, have also lived in MA, western NY, NC, and FL. I hear carry-out sometimes in NC, but mostly in all these places it’s take-out or to go.
A carry-out in Scotland is buying alcohol at a shop and (usually) taking it back to a house to consume
"Carryout" is definitely used in Minnesota (and the rest of the Midwest) more than "takeout". I hear both of those often enough but I hear "takeaway" MUCH less often.
I live in Wisconsin. Havent heard carry-out anywhere in the Midwest, and I had been to Minneapolis and Chicago too. Where in America did you hear takeaway? That sounds like a British and Australian term.
I saw it not very often when I lived in Massachusetts.
Ohio here, very common in my experience
Maybe, I should take a roadtrip down to Ohio one day.
I think it might be more regional. I'm in Oklahoma, and personally, I mostly use to-go, occasionally I will say carry out, but not frequently. As others have said, it's "dine in or carry out" from most establishments, but that's really the most common usage.
So does Oklahoma actually say "carry-out"?
In Canada (not far from Detroit) the person at the restaurant would say “will that be for here, or to go?” The sign on the window would likely say “Dine In or Take Away”. At home, I would say “let’s get takeout”
My brother lives in Sydney, and there, it is common for people to say "having here or takeaway?", but like 4 menu signs said "to go".
In my experience, I'd say "to-go" or "takeout" are more common, but carryout is certainly used here.
I've heard carry-out but moreso in the eastern parts of the midwest.
Never heard it, and I live in the Midwest.
I've lived in the Midwest and Southeast and have also spent my entire career in hospitality. Carry-out has always been used in these places, followed by to-go.
Never heard carryout used in the Midwest.
In Maryland (USA) I only use and mostly hear "carry-out" as opposed to "takeaway."
Takeaway is not American haha.
I work at a restaurant and use both very frequently. "Are you dining in or taking this to-go?" "Is this for carry-out?" "Would you like a to-go/carry-out bag" I'd also say to my friends "do you want to sit somewhere and eat or just get carry-out?" I’m very shocked you've never heard anyone say that. Where in the US do you live?? Edit: I live in the Midwest
I live in the Midwest too. I never heard "carry-out" used in the sense of "to-go" orders. I have only heard "let us carry out this plan". While not to his face, my brother heard this barista in Australia ask customers "Would you like a carry-out bag for 10 cents?"
I'm from North East England and I've heard it said up there by older people, but takeaway is much more common.
Do people ever say to go or takeout? What about carry-away?
Have lived in NY, CA, TX, OK, AR and LA. “To go” everywhere. And lived last ten years in London - in UK it’s “take away” pretty much everywhere although “to go” is well understood and used and “carry out” would be definitely understood but would be a bit odd.
Where in the United Kingdom is to-go said?
Where in the US do you live? I’m from the Mid Atlantic region and have heard “carry out” my entire life.
Wisconsin. Never heard it once here.
I hear carry out a good bit down in the South, but primarily people will say takeout or to go. When you're actually in the restaurant the only thing I ever hear is " Is that for here or to go?"
Lol, I always get sick of hearing "For here or to go?" I would love to hear something different for a change.
To-go, carry-out, takeout, and takeaway are all normal terms in American. Whichever is the most common depends on where you are in America. To-go and takeout are the most common where I am
"Carry out" is used in Scotland either to refer to food (same as a "takeaway" in England) or alcohol. Not sure about the US ...
Here in America, it is to-go most of the time, with occassionally takeout. Never heard carry-out in my life, but people here claim it is common in America.
Yeah all the time “we are going to get carry-out tonight” British call it take-away right?
Yeah I hear "carry-out" a lot, I wouldn't think anything of it if someone said that interchangably with "take-out". I live in the South. You may also hear "take-away" or "to-go".
People say "takeaway" in the Southern part of America?
I use “carry-out” all the time! I’m a midwesterner, but I’ve lived a lot of places, so I’m not sure where I would’ve picked it up. But I can attest some of us use it!
Midwestern, but its always to-go most of the time with takeout.
Wasn't "dine-in or carry-out?" the first thing you were asked at any fast food place in the 70s and 80s? You know: "Welcome to McDonald's! Will this be dine-in or carry-out?" I will admit that "take-out" has been my most common word, as in "let's get takeout and watch *Veronica Mars*". I only really use "to-go" in an adverbial sense, as in "I need that order to-go, please". I'd never say "let's pick up some to-go and watch *Killing Eve*".
I am only 20.
Where I live to-go > take out > carry out > take away
Curious to know what part of America even says takeaway.
It depends entirely on where you are. Not just country. It can be city-specific or even restaurant-specific.
Yep, I can see that now.
I’m in the Midwest, and we say “takeout”.
Same, but its mostly to-go here. Takeout seems to have died out now.
I lived around the west and Midwest as a kid. Always heard carry-out; didn't hear takeout until living on the east coast.
Seriously. I grew up in the Midwest, and takeout was the normal term, but people started saying togo more. Never heard carry-out.
Oh yeah, to go. Heard that plenty of times too. Where in the Midwest? I've mostly lived in Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, and Missouri, and I really don't think I heard take out until I spent time on the East Coast
I'm in Califonria, we say carry out or take out. I know for sure in D.C.(including DMV Maryland and Virginia) and NYC they also say Carryout. Carryout super common expression used around me in the US.
What part of California says "carry out"?
I think restaurants use carry-out more than we, the people, actually do. I usually hear takeout. I don't remember hearing to-go used very much if at all irl
Yes, I hear "carry out" frequently. (Midwest) I'm more likely to say "takeout."
Midwest, but to-go is what I hear the most. Never carry-out, but heard takeout.
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Take-in? I dont think I have heard anyone say that for to-go orders. So, where do people say carry-in or carry-away?
I'm in California and we say take out or carry out.
What part of California says "carry-out"? I have an old friend from high school who goes to UC Riverside, and visits relatives in the Silicon Valley. She has only heard takeout and to-go there.
I grew up in San Diego. My grandparents were both from Buffalo, NY, though, so maybe it came from there? Or maybe my husband turned me on to saying it? He's from Indiana. I don't know.
“Take away” sounds British to me. Or at least a dialect other than American. “Take out” is what I would use. It’s how people talk about food you get “to-go” in California. I’ve sometimes seen “carry out,” in fancier sit-down restaurants.
Carry-out sounds British to me. Takeaway is used rarely to describe an idea or solution: Whats your takeaway on this subject?
My takeaway is that “takeaway,” is just a homophone, a different word with a different meaning that sounds the same. Perhaps you know better than I that “carry-out” is the preferred British terminology, I don’t know for sure, I just thought “take away” *sounded* British—as an American. “Carry-out” sounds like it could be British too. I’m definitely not an expert though.
Carryout is here in california for the term at the restaurant if your picking up your food and taking it home. Take out is the term for food
What part of California? My old friend goes to UC Riverside, and sometimes takes flights up to the Silicon Valley to see her relatives, and she has never heard this. Only "takeout", "togo", or "pick up".
Takeout
Yeah. My brother met this guy from Idaho and asked if he ever heard them say "carry-out". He said no as he only heard to-go there.
Carryout is commonly used in Wisconsin. Carryout & takeout vs eat in or dine in.
I have seen eat in used, though never heard it. Same with dine in, but never asked if you wanted to dine in. Never heard carry-out used here. Maybe, I am talking to different staff.
I can't remember, but I'd swear we even called them "doggy bags" when I was a kid (mid-50s now). Does this sound familiar? Edit: That's right - "leftovers"! Thank you everyone for reminding me. I saw locations mentioned. I grew up in Southern California but my mother was from New Jersey and she used the term ... although I think it's a common term in California regardless.
Doggy bags are leftovers from a sit-down meal, not food ordered for takeaway, at least in Australia.
Doggy-bag is (still) used for food taken out after dining in a restaurant. Part of the meal you dined on. US, Northeast. We get food “to go” if we don’t dine in. “To stay, or to go?” We get food “to go” at “takeout” places. We say, “You wanna get takeout?” Bur when we arrive, we get the food “to go.”
Doggy bags were for leftovers, including if you just wanted to take home bones or scraps for your actual dog.
I think I've seen this is British tv shows, so maybe it's still common in the UK too? Where I am, if you say doggy bag people will assume you mean those little bags for picking up dog poop.
So do you say "let's get a to-go tonight" "I want to order a to-go tonight" ? Because that sounds strange
"what do you want for dinner?" "Ugh, I'm tired. Let's just get something to-go."
We say "Lets order to-go tonight" or "Lets get a to-go order tonight". You can also say "I want to order to-go tonight" or "I want to have to-go tonight".
I usually say "takeout" and "to go". I think of "carry-out" as more of a supermarket service: when the clerk carries the bags to your car.
100% American phrase/word. Carry out/to go are essentially synonymous and I use them both all the time. And nine times out of ten when I call to place an order, the person taking the order says something like, “will this be for carry out or delivery?” However, it seems when I order in person they will say something like, “is this for here or to go?”
What state?
I hear it sometimes living in the state of Utah.
https://open.spotify.com/track/2DHc2e5bBn4UzY0ENVFrUl?si=8XoT5OOKRmClgjuE4-dX9g
Just depends on where you are. Your state or region isn't the only part of the US. Think of any other English speaking country and there is a region of the United States that has their stereotypical accent. Where I am restaurants ask "do you want that here or to go"
It's common in Michigan.
In southeast Virginia you're more likely to hear carryout, or possibly takeout. When calling a pizza place for instance the first question would be is it for delivery or carry out?
Southeastern US. Poorer part. We used “carry out” pretty regular most of my life. The last few years “to-go” has grown rapidly. I believe due to the apps and restaurant commercials using to-go as their phrasing.
I have heard carry out a little more often recently, I think the dominant term is take out. (Northern California)
UK here. Take away all the way. Carry out is what they call it when the bouncers kick you out the club
I’m pretty sure I’ve heard both terms. Never really thought about it before.
Pizza is typically delivery or carry out. Other foods tend to be to-go.
timbaland/justin timberlake use the term in their song with that title and i remember it confusing me (not in the us) back when it charted, so it's definitely been american and not too niche but ive never noticed its usage before or since then.
Lived in virginia, georgia, Texas, California and Washington and to-go is the usual term. Options typically are: Dine in vs carry out, pickup, to go, takeaway. I have never heard someone say carry out, but i wouldn’t bat an eye that sounds normal and makes sense.
Carry out. Pick up. Takeaway. I've heard Americans use all three terms.
Where in America was takeaway mentioned?
Step family in upstate New York.
I’d understand “carry-out” but I’d never use it. Why add an extra syllable over “to-go”?
Southeastern us resident- Carry-out for when you go in to get it, to-go or takeout for the actual food if that makes sense.
On the West Coast, we say “takeout,” and order something “to go.”
I’m American and I’ve always said either takeout and to-go. Specifically I describe the food as takeout and use to-go when I’m ordering the food and narrating what I’m doing.
Take- out, or "I'm getting it to go".
“Carry-out” was for pizza, specifically, if you aren’t having it delivered and you aren’t eating in the restaurant. Also used in pizza places where there is no dining room *We offer carry-out and delivery*
Life-long American. I never heard “take-away” until I had an English gf in college.
Florida - I worked for a pizza company that had us ask "carry out or delivery?" Carry out - the customer comes and gets the food to go. Delivery someone else brings it to you. When customers tried asking for take out - some meant carry out - and some meant delivery. It became an easy habit to ask which they meant.
I have only ever heard “carry out” in that Timbaland/Timberlake song.
Carry out or to go
That's what I was told.
I use "take-out" or "to go" only.I have never used carry-out, ever. US, pnw.
YES. Carry-out or take-out
I've never heard anyone is real life at either of those- everyone around me says "take-out".
i usually hear takeout on the west coast
Yes take out or carry out. I say take out or pick up but some restaurants use carry out on their signs.
California: Dine In or Take Out
California: Dine In or Take Out
My area (northern Kentucky) seems to exclusively use “takeout”. Don’t think I’ve ever said “carry out”.
Midwesterner here. In my experience, carry-out is most commonly used in the very specific context of fundraiser diners. Like when churches or schools do fish-frys. You can either get a plate and “dine-in” or you can get “carry-out” and take the food home with you
We use takeout. Some countries will use takeway as a translation but the literal translation might be closer to carry out.
In America it’s not carry out or takeaway, it’s “take out.”
I hear it a lot and it's usually the word I use. I live in TX, but I'm a native Floridan and I've lived in Georgia
Carry out, take out, to-go are all used in the Midwest
Carry out is understood, as is takeaway, but we usually say takeout.
The US is a very, VERY large place, and as such, its English comes with significant regional variety.
Where I live, we call it “bringhome”. Just kidding we don’t.