In "The Road to Little Dribbling," Bill Bryson reflects on how society has shifted from meaningful names to arbitrary labels. He emphasizes the emptiness of contemporary branding, using the example of Starbucks coffee sizes. Terms like Venti, Trenta, and Wanko Grande seem to lack genuine significance, contrasting with the more straightforward names of the past.

Through this observation, Bryson critiques the commercialization of culture and the loss of individuality in everyday experiences. He suggests that, while these names may be designed to sound appealing, they contribute to a sense of disconnection from what once held real meaning.