Just looked it up because I cannot believe 3,2% Alcohol is considered much for beer in the US. It is not. First of all, it’s apparently 3,2% of weight not volume. In Volume it’s about 4%. And it’s not considered strong (or even regular) beer, which is 5-6% vol., which is in line with what I (as a German) would consider as about right for beer (Most German beers are at 5% vol.).
Also, the notation is weird. 3 point two percent would be 3,2 (EU), 3.2, or 16/5… In the US, I can’t imagine anyone writing 3.2 as 3/2. We do most of us understand basic division.
I’m as confused about the notation as everyone else.
Dunno, but good theory. The other theory someone suggested that makes sense is that it’s spoken shorthand, like “I like 3-5 beer” was written “3/5”. Mist people would probably pronounce “3.5” as three-point-five, so writing it 3/5 does make sense.
As a former ESL teacher and redneck, I’m guessing it’s 1 part sub-par literacy, 1 part phobia of metric (*not… Math?!*😱), and 1 part cultural acceptance of both (& more). Coupled with the fact that it’s half the problem, and you have your mouthbreather fraction - or faction, even.
3/2 makes sense as a way to represent how someone would actually say it out loud. “Three two beer” is common term used to describe beer with 3.2% alcohol by weight. "Three point two percent beer* works but is just shortened and 3/2 is a pretty good way of capturing the sound.
I’ve never heard anyone refer to 3/2 beer but I used to visit my friend at the state college to party and everyone loved Icehouse (for the price, not the taste). Putting both hands up and say “FIVE FIVE” for the 5.5% ABV it offered
Just looked it up because I cannot believe 3,2% Alcohol is considered much for beer in the US. It is not. First of all, it’s apparently 3,2% of weight not volume. In Volume it’s about 4%. And it’s not considered strong (or even regular) beer, which is 5-6% vol., which is in line with what I (as a German) would consider as about right for beer (Most German beers are at 5% vol.).
Also, the notation is weird. 3 point two percent would be 3,2 (EU), 3.2, or 16/5… In the US, I can’t imagine anyone writing 3.2 as 3/2. We do most of us understand basic division.
I’m as confused about the notation as everyone else.
We demand answers!
I’m just noticing that the / is next to the . on my keyboard…
Did this just start out as a typo?
Dunno, but good theory. The other theory someone suggested that makes sense is that it’s spoken shorthand, like “I like 3-5 beer” was written “3/5”. Mist people would probably pronounce “3.5” as three-point-five, so writing it 3/5 does make sense.
I had some 7/11 beer last night.
Good job 24/7 beer isn’t licensed.
User name checks out
As a former ESL teacher and redneck, I’m guessing it’s 1 part sub-par literacy, 1 part phobia of metric (*not… Math?!*😱), and 1 part cultural acceptance of both (& more). Coupled with the fact that it’s half the problem, and you have your mouthbreather fraction - or faction, even.
3/2 makes sense as a way to represent how someone would actually say it out loud. “Three two beer” is common term used to describe beer with 3.2% alcohol by weight. "Three point two percent beer* works but is just shortened and 3/2 is a pretty good way of capturing the sound.
I’ve never heard anyone refer to 3/2 beer but I used to visit my friend at the state college to party and everyone loved Icehouse (for the price, not the taste). Putting both hands up and say “FIVE FIVE” for the 5.5% ABV it offered
Aha! That makes total sense! Thanks.