Do you order pop or soda?
This interesting map showed up on Strange Maps (another one of my favorite blogs) today and I found it really fascinating!
I usually order a “coke” because I like Coke best of all, but I refer to all soft drinks as “pop”. I have for my whole life, except for my early years when they were “refrescos”. (I think I drank mostly Fanta back then.)
In recent years I have heard the word “soda” used with increasing frequency here in Oregon (and even, ahem, said it myself a few times), but I still get the Arm & Hammer logo in my mind when I hear it!
The Strange Maps post has some interesting information on it about pop (and soda). Like the name “pop” came from the sound the cork made, and that it is considered unsophisticated by some… who knew?
I also didn’t know that most of the people in the South refer to all soft drinks as ”coke”.
What do you call it?
I think Dad and I order “senior soft drinks!” That term doesn’t seem to be an option.
The fact is, we don’t often order soft drinks, pop, or coke.
We prefer non-carbonated for our health. Of course, coffee is controversial, healthwise. (And you know our habit on that!)
Very interesting! I’m definitely a “soda” girl. I can’t remember when I started calling it that, but I’m pretty sure I grew up with “pop”. Somehow I am among the people who consider it unsophisticated, not that I consider myself sophisticated. Again, interesting to ponder…
Pop! After living in the South for 15 years, I had to adjust my vocabulary and I’m not about to do it again no matter where I live. =)
I call it pop - but being the Georgia Peach that I am, I DID know that southerners call it Coke. I have fond memories of people asking me what kind of a Coke I would like. And if you’re in the South, do NOT ask for a Pepsi!
I remember, when I moved from California to Clackamas, Oregon in 1981, that I thought “pop” was such a quaint, weird word to use. Now I have a map to show me why! (And now I say pop.)
Well, I’ve had an ongoing debate with quite a few people, and I call it pop and have tried to stick to it in the middle of all of these soda people! My Mom calls it “soda pop” to be non-partisan, but I got my habit from my Dad. (He’s a Pepsi drinker…do you think that has anything to do with it??)
Cristie
What a great topic…
Great comments! Thanks to each of you for these very interesting contributions. It’s fun to find out these unique personal preferences and the reasons why we keep them or change them.
You make a good point, Mom, that a huge part of our population was not represented in this study—those who order the “senior soft drink” and get a well-deserved price break.
I must admit, Misty, that “soda” definitely does sound more sophisticated, and by the way, I think it fits you very well!
I appreciate the three unique perspectives from people who have been transplanted from places where the normal way was not the way it mostly is here… Sherry, Michelle, and Gregg.
I actually laughed out loud when I read your comment, Cristie, about your Mom using “soda-pop” to be non-partisan! Now that’s peace-making! None of us want our families, friendships or our country to be polarized by carbonated beverage names!
The lesson for me is that our preferences and opinions are what make us each unique, interesting, and really quite fascinating.
Any others want to add a comment, and reveal which side of the soda/pop aisle you are on?
Here in New England, soft drinks are as likely to be called “tonic”. If you ask for a “pop” in some parts of Boston, you might just get popped in the face.
Little neighborhood stores that sold soft drinks, until recently, were called “spas” which goes back to the late 19th and early 20th century when soda water was considered healthful and soft drinks were derived from syrupy patent medicines.
If you order a milkshake in some places, you’ll just get milk and syrup mixed together. If you want an ice cream shake, you’d best order a “frappe”. If you go to DD’s and order a regular, you’ll get heavily creamed and sugared coffee.