This week, Slate takes a look at the history of the Solo cup. You know the one, the red plastic vessel that introduced you to the great American pastime of Beer Pong. That taught you how much “16 ounces” of a liquid really is. That allowed you to get close to that college crush by offering to refill it at the keg.

Yes, the 75-year-young Solo cup now has songs devoted to it (“I love you, red Solo cup. I fill you up. Proceed to party. Proceed to party.”), a website hawking it to our fellow partiers overseas and a nifty new squared-off shape.

Solo’s website contains a timeline of the company’s history, from producing the iconic paper cone (still used at all dentist offices today!) to creating the first all-recycled hot beverage holder for Starbucks to introducing a line of eco-friendly plasticware. Did you know we also have Solo to thank for the “traveler lids” used on almost all coffee cups now? No more burned tongue!

Nothing, however, is as recognizable as the signature red chalice. What’s your first Solo memory?

Photo via Flickr user arvindgrover

h/t 22nd&philly