As reported from Tabor, South Dakota, this red, soft plastic cup can hold your favorite beverage. It is recognized as one of the most distinctly American objects in the country, but it is more than just a product—it is a symbol of the American psyche, reflecting a nation that loves parties, summer barbecues, kegged beer, tailgating, and above all, friendship and community. This cup is not only a vessel for these traditions but also serves as the foundation for beer pong, a discreet container for public drinking, a spittoon, and a reusable household cup that survives countless dishwasher cycles. Names written in marker are its universal language, and condensation from a cold drink is its signature. You can see it at campgrounds, block parties, parks, tailgates, student parties, and county fairs.
This cup is also part of the history of capitalism in 20th-century America. The Chicago-based Solo Company originally made cone-shaped paper cups for water coolers. In the 1970s, it was modified to plastic and patented in the year of America's 200th birthday. It later grew into a massive disposable foodware company and was sold for about $1 billion to Dart Container Corp. in 2012.
Through this cup, you can trace many events of the country's last 80 years: from the advent of postwar office culture to the now-iconic water coolers. The nation's advertising and marketing traditions turned a mass-produced plastic cup into an integral part of American homes and parties. Later, it fueled college drinking traditions and a tailgate culture that is practically a business unto itself. And ten-figure sales to larger corporations have become regular occurrences at the corporate level. The cup achieved a new level of status after country star Toby Keith recorded a rhapsodic song about it. Keith initially viewed the song as a throwaway but warmed up to it and included it on a 2011 album.
Perhaps he and his producers realized that a song whose first verse includes "barbecues, tailgates, fairs and festivals" contains all the touchstones necessary to connect with American audiences on a deeper level. The chorus goes: "Red Solo cup, I fill you up. Let's have a party." And America truly loves a good party.
This article is part of a series titled "American Objects," marking the 250th anniversary of the United States. For more American objects, click here. For more stories on the anniversary, click here.