March 29, 2005

Soda, Pop, or Coke

As many of you have heard me say, I gave up soda for Lent. I've made it to the point that I no longer crave it, so I will continue to go with the ideal of 1-2 sodas per week tops.

In that vein, my friend Matt gave me this link to a site that breaks down geographically the different names that people use for soft drinks. It gives a whole new meaning to red and blue states! It also helps me to understand why I'm so messed up--my soda, I mean pop, I mean Coke identity is all over the map literally.

Personally, I still use "soda," which apparently is a California-ism.

Posted by Frank Yamada at March 29, 2005 07:58 PM
Comments

I hear you. I grew up in Indiana (pop), lived in NJ for seven years (soda), moved to Memphis for a year (Coke), and now am in North Dakota (pop). I'm so confused, sometimes I just end up ordering water. My favortie story on this though, Is when my wife Toni offered to give one of her middle school students in NJ a pop, and he thought she was going to hit him.

Posted by: Matt at March 29, 2005 10:34 PM

Oops. that's "favorite."

Posted by: Matt at March 29, 2005 10:35 PM

I say "coke" generally, and sometimes "soda", but never "pop". In Florida, it would not be uncommon to ask a watier for a "coke" and to have him reply, "what kind of coke would you like? a sprite? a diet coke? a dr. pepper?" All legitimate questions. But, when I say "coke" I generally mean, "Coca-Cola Classic", the beverage for which there is no substitute!

-R

Posted by: Ryan Whitley at March 30, 2005 03:20 AM

I have resolved my soda-pop identity crisis by always buying a can of pop from a soda machine. Why? I can't say. But it works for this Wisconsin (the "pop" side of the state), Iowa (still "pop"), then Boston (ah. . . "Soda!") traveller.

Posted by: Debra B at March 30, 2005 03:26 AM

I'm with Ryan - saying "I want a Coke" means Coca-Cola Classic. It doesn't invite a follow question anymore than saying "I want a Dr. Pepper." Soda is, to me, acceptable as a general term, but I have never used "pop" to refer to the drink and never plan on it. Midwesterners - is it still "pop" after it goes flat?

Posted by: Beal at March 30, 2005 10:41 AM

I was at the famous (or infamous) Billy Goat Tavern in Chicago--the place that SNL made famous--and there is actually a sign that says, "No Coke, Pepsi."

This "soda" boy goes both ways, not unusual for a Californian, I like both Coke and Pepsi equally. Yes, I realize there is an innuendo in what I just said.

Posted by: Frank at March 30, 2005 02:57 PM

I grew up (in Michigan) saying both... but at the same time. Its soda pop. I think that was a result of my dad being transplanted to Michigan from NYC...

And yes. Its still pop when its flat. It just tastes bad. Oh! Unless you have a stomachache. Flat pop, especially Vernors, is great for that.

Posted by: susie at April 2, 2005 03:12 PM

Vernors - go Michigan!

and i just use 'pop'. though, my sister says 'soda'. growing up in the same house...hmm....

Posted by: heather at April 6, 2005 04:37 PM