What You Drink Depends on Where You Live

[jeffsmith]

"Tonic" was also used in the Boston area
Thats what Dad always called it

 

[TexasRebel]

First Man: "You want a Coke?"

Second Man: "Yeah."

First Man: "What kind?"

Second Man: "Sprite."

I actually overheard this conversation.

The Highlander

That's an every day conversation here. LOL! Thanks for posting this. This has been an ongoing discussion between the wife(Maryland) and I (Texas) forever. Can't wait to point this chart out to her.

 

[KingBee]

My wife comes from Boston and she says "tonic".

 

[Scotter260]

I like barley pop:

 

[gjamison]

they should have one of these for beer.

 

[Model29Lover]

They are called Pops here in Ky or just a "coke" but the best pop ever is the ale81 "A late one" all man are they good!!!!!!

 

[Bullseye 2620]

An Explanation, Sort Of

In trying to figure out these patterns, one came to mind...

I wonder why this is. Coke, Pepsi, RC, Dr. Pepper, are all of Southern origin, but came along after the War of Northern Aggression. Anyway, why these drinks should be called one thing in one part of the country and something else in another is an interesting question, and why these patterns seem to follow the North-South divide is really interesting and a total mystery to me. Anyone got an idea?


Bullseye

 

[fat tom]

In the 50's a lot of the older folks down here called it a "dope" when referring to a Coca Cola. I guess for obvious reasons.
I once ordered two Bud Lites for the two guys I was with and a Coke for myself. When the waiter returned,he said "Here ya go. Two Buds and a burpsy-cola."
f.t.

 

[nicky4968]

In the Spanish Counties of Colorado (where they really do still speak Spanish at home, as they've done since before the Mexican War), it's
"un refresco".

 

[kmyers]

First Man: "You want a Coke?"

Second Man: "Yeah."

First Man: "What kind?"

Second Man: "Sprite."

I actually overheard this conversation.

The Highlander

Happens here all the time.

 

[RonJ]

When I was in HS I dated a girl who liked to flaunt her sophistication. She often showed her rural roots by ordering a sody.

 

[ElToro]

I'm very specific when I order a "soda". I usually drink/ask for a "diet cola", then they come back with "is Coke ok" or "is Pepsi ok" depending on what brand they carry. If I wanted a Sprite or Ginger ale, I'll ask for one.

thats becuase say mcdonalds has all coke prodcuts and if you ask for pepsi and they just give you a coke theres some litgation issue.

weird... i live on the left coast and i dont know anybody who calls it soda. we all call it "coke" when i mean any generic brown colored carbonated drink or "diet coke" when my wifes wants that. same with 7-up when i mean any clear fizy drink like sprite etc. or the store brand. im not choosy but when i have a choice i grab coke. same with kleenex when i mean any soft tissue. but my coworker insists on calling tissue.

now when my father in law who is from tennesee is out to visit and we go out for dinner, he asks for unsweetened tea. we laugh, cause out here thats all your gonna get !