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...
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.
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”).