soda v pop v coke

Red State, Blue State — Pop State, Soda State

I don’t know about you, but I’m getting weary of the red state/blue state divide. To borrow a phrase, it’s time to move on to something more important, like The Great Pop vs. Soda Controversy.1Sorry, Coca-Cola trademark attorneys.

The preferred generic term for carbonated beverages has a geographic pattern similar to that for voting in presidential elections. The coasts prefer “soda,” with flyover country split between “pop” in the north and “Coke” in the south.

According to my brother, Bob:2Who lives in Northern California. “For the record . . . soda is the most correct term . . . ” potentially in conflict with Controversy’s conclusion: “People who say ‘Pop’ are much, much cooler.”


Hat tip: Instpundit.

  • 1
    Sorry, Coca-Cola trademark attorneys.
  • 2
    Who lives in Northern California.
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4 responses to “Red State, Blue State — Pop State, Soda State”

  1. Anon Avatar
    Anon

    The origin of carbonated water may be discerned in the paper “Impregnating Water with Fixed Air, in order to communicate it to the particular spirit and virtues of, Pyrmont Water” by Joseph Priestley.

    Seltzer water takes it name from a town in Neider Seltzers in the Weisbaden region of Germany. The etymology of soda water can be found here: http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=soda

    Mephetic water was a gaseous alkaline water produced with carbonate of soda.

    I believe that (back when the fountain operator worked behind the counter at the local pharmacy, and flavoring was hand added syrup, presumably requiring the supervision of one with chemistry skills) when the soda jerk would jerk the handle on the dispensor mechanism, it would make a popping sound as gas was released without liquid — and thus the colloquialism “pop.”

  2. Brent Logan Avatar

    Wow! What a fount of knowledge! ;-)

    It’s interesting how soda pop (using both names at once) used to be considered a health beverage. Imagine how Coca-Cola would make you feel if it still contained cocaine. Now the impression is exactly the opposite. My brother, in explaining why he abstains, explains: “I don’t drink my calories.”

    I’m not quite sure what to think about carbonated milk.

  3. Anon Avatar
    Anon

    Carbonated Milk must be for those highly stressed out students who need bicarbonate Ca(HCO3)2.
    How does one tell the difference between carbonated milk and fizzy fermented milk?

    Perhaps the dairy industry is grooming kids to consume Airag instead of beer when they get to college.
    The birth of a new industry?

  4. blogan Avatar
    blogan

    I sure hope not! Wow, that doesn’t even sound appealing:

    Airag is produced throughout summer in a specially made hide skin bag. First, fresh milk is added to leaven and then the mix is regularly stirred by special wooden stick. Fresh airag is basically mild but if kept for long enough it may turn sour and acidic. Old airag may contain up to 18 proof or equal to that of wine.

    On the other hand, you’ve gotta love the Northern Mountains:

    […]known for beautiful landscapes and also the beauty of local girls skilled in making diary products.

    Heh!