Soda vs. Pop vs. Coke
This study shows by what generic term people call soft drinks in the U.S., and maps it by county. They only show “soda”, “pop”, “coke”, and “other”. I never understood the generic term “coke”. I know that there are plenty of generic goods that are best known by a brand name, like Kleenex and Xerox, but when you ask for a Kleenex, it is generally understood that any brand of facial tissue will suffice. Coke, on the other hand is a terrible use. It’s rare that when you buy a soda, you won’t have a choice of kind. When given options, I don’t know anyone that doesn’t have a preference.
So, how do you order an actual Coke in a region where the term is generic? Do you say, “I’ll have a coke with a capital ‘C’?”
Also notable is that in New England, “soda” is the term most used. I remember when growing up, most of my friends’ parents called it “tonic”.
bluegrass girl Said,
August 2, 2006 @ 2:09 pm
My extended family calls it “Coke” when referring to either Pepsi, Coke, or RC Cola. Otherwise, it’s called a “soft drink”. I think there is a relatively clear explanation for the pattern on the map – Coca Cola originated in the south, and most of their bottling plants were in the South. We used to have one in Paducah – it bottled until the 1970s, and now it’s just a distribution center. It has gorgeous deco exterior and a sparkling lit sign that changes between two different schemes at night. For that reason alone, I’m happy to call all soft drinks Coke.
Boxen Said,
August 3, 2006 @ 8:05 am
What happens when you want a Pepsi, so you ask for a Coke? Cross your fingers?
bluegrass girl Said,
August 3, 2006 @ 12:27 pm
Well, typically restaurants don’t carry both, so you’ll get whichever their contract is with. Personally, I do ask specifically for what I want, but the ol’ timers back home just want a brown syrupy product, and they’re not picky as to which it is. I’ve seen people with a half-filled platic cup of Pepsi top it off with Coke.
Electro Rock Said,
August 3, 2006 @ 8:24 pm
I refuse to believe this calling every soda Coke. It suggest that people in the South categorize every soda by Coke. I would instead contend that they tend to drink Coke more, so they say Coke. When they want Sprite, surely they don’t say Coke?
In other words, the map suggests false causality.
Electro Rock Said,
August 3, 2006 @ 8:24 pm
And that said, everyone in Minnesota says pop.
bluegrass girl Said,
August 4, 2006 @ 9:57 am
I’m sure you’re right that Coke is the preferred term solely by virtue of being the most commonly consumed beverage, although surely that doesn’t differ by geographic region? I assume Coke is the most popular across the country (at least relative to stuff like Sprite, which you only want when you’re sick to your stomach).