Pop

[*julez* 124]

I think that most people from the US would know what I meant, but another VJer disagreed with me, so it really piqued my curiosity to try to find out if pop is as well-known as I think it is.

It used to be a pretty regional thing...in the mid-west they'd say "pop" and in the South they'd say "coke," and everywhere else they'd say soda. When I was a kid, we moved from Florida to Colorado and I got the strangest looks when I said "pop." Now I think most everyone everywhere would know what you're talking about.

Here's a cool "Soda vs Pop" map:

http://strangemaps.wordpress.com/2008/08/1...op-vs-soda-map/

That's actually the map in another post that fueled this current discussion!

Do you think most people would know what pop meant, even if they're from a soda, coke or whatever area of the US?

[mox 298]

Do you think most people would know what pop meant, even if they're from a soda, coke or whatever area of the US?

You might get a raised eyebrow in coke or soda country, but I think most people under 50 know the term now.

[Jenn! 918]

Do you think most people would know what pop meant, even if they're from a soda, coke or whatever area of the US?

Yes. Unless they've never traveled outside of their community and also never watched television. 'Pop' is common knowledge.

I will admit that I didn't understand that tennis shoes were the same thing as sneakers until I moved to NC though.

[*Robert* 2]

It used to be a pretty regional thing...in the mid-west they'd say "pop" and in the South they'd say "coke," and everywhere else they'd say soda. When I was a kid, we moved from Florida to Colorado and I got the strangest looks when I said "pop." Now I think most everyone everywhere would know what you're talking about.

I was going to point out the same three names, as I've lived in all three different areas.

Calling everything a "coke" is just weird to me!

"Can I have a coke?"

"Sure... what kind of coke do you want?"

"Let me have a Dr. Pepper!"

[no name 1]

Yes. Everyone would, even New Englanders.

Edited December 16, 2008 by illumine

[mox 298]

Calling everything a "coke" is just weird to me!

Ask for a coke in the South and you're liable to get an RC.

[Amby 490]

I don't like RC

[panamania79 2]

If I were at a party at your house, and you asked me what I'd like to drink and I, in turn, ask you what kind of pop you have, would you know what I was referring to?

We call it soda in these parts.

[*julez* 124]

I don't like RC

then don't ask for a coke in the South....LOL

I really don't get the coke thing...if you asked me for a coke here, I'd bring you a coke without further questioning you!

I get soda, soft drink and pop, of course...but Coke as a catchall for all kinds of pop.... ...its just weird.

If I were at a party at your house, and you asked me what I'd like to drink and I, in turn, ask you what kind of pop you have, would you know what I was referring to?

We call it soda in these parts.

Right. But you do know what pop is, if someone uses the term?

[mox 298]

I really don't get the coke thing...if you asked me for a coke here, I'd bring you a coke without further questioning you!

I get soda, soft drink and pop, of course...but Coke as a catchall for all kinds of pop.... ...its just weird.

It's like asking for a kleenex or scotch tape. In the South, "coke" is just a brand name that's been diluted to encompass any soda.

[panamania79 2]

I don't like RC

then don't ask for a coke in the South....LOL

I really don't get the coke thing...if you asked me for a coke here, I'd bring you a coke without further questioning you!

I get soda, soft drink and pop, of course...but Coke as a catchall for all kinds of pop.... ...its just weird.

If I were at a party at your house, and you asked me what I'd like to drink and I, in turn, ask you what kind of pop you have, would you know what I was referring to?

We call it soda in these parts.

Right. But you do know what pop is, if someone uses the term?

Yes,because I have relatives in Ohio and Missouri who say "pop" instead of soda.

[*julez* 124]

I really don't get the coke thing...if you asked me for a coke here, I'd bring you a coke without further questioning you!

I get soda, soft drink and pop, of course...but Coke as a catchall for all kinds of pop.... ...its just weird.

It's like asking for a kleenex or scotch tape. In the South, "coke" is just a brand name that's been diluted to encompass any soda.

Well, I hear what you say, but Coke is just Coke. If you ask for a Coke, but really wanted a Cherry Coke or Pepsi, it doesn't make sense. If you ask for scotch tape, I'll give you thin, transparent tape, not packing tape, or electrical tape. And if you ask me for a Kleenex, I'll give you a tissue, not a sheet of toilet paper ro whatever. I, personally, don't think "coke" trnanslates into a general term as well as the other brands you cite.

And a band-aid! Another great example!

[mox 298]

Well, I hear what you say, but Coke is just Coke. If you ask for a Coke, but really wanted a Cherry Coke or Pepsi, it doesn't make sense. If you ask for scotch tape, I'll give you thin, transparent tape, not packing tape, or electrical tape. And if you ask me for a Kleenex, I'll give you a tissue, not a sheet of toilet paper ro whatever. I, personally, don't think "coke" trnanslates into a general term as well as the other brands you cite.

And a band-aid! Another great example!

Heh. Well...it's you against the entire Southern United States if you care to take that on. Start in Miami and work your way North.

[The_Dude 1,142]

If I were at a party at your house, and you asked me what I'd like to drink and I, in turn, ask you what kind of pop you have, would you know what I was referring to?

Yes, I would know what you mean a soda

It is very regional, but everyone should know the major ones like pop or coke. Now, if you asked for a fizzy, i'd have to guess a bit at that one.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

I like the term soft drink...like the opposite of a hard drink.