Why Is It Called Boba?
The tea became known as boba because the term is slang for breasts in Chinese (a reference the spherical shape of the tapioca balls).

Is it called boba or bubble tea?

Bubble tea, a popular beverage that originated in Taiwan, is known by many names. Bubble tea can be called 'pearl milk tea,' 'boba tea,' 'tapioca tea,' or simply 'boba. ' The name most popularly used for this drink will vary in different regions.

Where does the word boba come from?

Etymology. From English boba, from the pinyin romanization of the Mandarin pronunciation of Chinese 波霸 (bōbà), from Cantonese 波霸 (bo1 baa3, “large breasts, tapioca pearls”), from 波 (bo1) transcribing English ball and 霸 (baa3, “chief, top”).
Sophia Al-Mansoor

Sophia Al-Mansoor

Global Business & E-Commerce Reporter

Sophia analyzes international trade, startup ecosystems, retail transformation, and supply chain logistics for modern digital publications.

Share this article
Twitter Facebook Pinterest