Finally! Statistics worth writing about. (Click on the Map for a larger view)
Growing up in Utah, I was trained to use the word "pop" for carbonated drinks. I thought that's what everyone called it. I remember thinking it was so weird when I found out that people in other regions of the country wouldn't know what I was talking about if I asked for a "pop." It practically shattered my universe. After getting over the shock, I slowly realized that "pop" was kind of a stupid name. At that point, I began exploring other common names for carbonated drinks. I figured that if I found the right one, then I would never have to switch again. I found out that other terms besides "pop" included "coke," "soda," and "soft drink." I didn't like using "coke" for everything. That was a worse description than "pop." It made absolutely no sense.
-"Do you want a coke?"
-"Sure."
-"What kind of coke do you want?"
-"Oh, I'll have a root beer."
Ridiculous. For some reason, I didn't really like "soda" either, although I'm feeling quite partial to that term at the moment. In my early teens, I finally settled on the use of the term "soft drink." It was what fast food places called the stuff, so I went with it. It seemed a bit more professional than "pop." However, I'm now wondering if I should switch to "soda." Using the term "soft drinks" only makes sense if you know that they were originally called "soft drinks" in order to differentiate them from the harder stuff (i.e. alcohol). But, I don't think people know that piece of information, generally. I didn't know it till I read this article. So here I am, once again questioning my terminology usage and not knowing which one to choose. It's a tough decision to make and I probably have a long road ahead, but I think it's a subject worth exploring. Let's take this journey together, won't we?
7 comments:
You don't have enough to worry about in life.
I understand how important this is. I find the map very interesting. What on earth is going on along the Missouri/Illinois border?
Stick with "pop". Soda is incorrect (soda is carbonated water, right?), stuffy, and requires another syllable. "Coke" is crazy. Soft drinks, again two syllables, and at least for us teetotaler, offers up the unnecessary distinction.
So, "pop". And be grateful for the righteous linguistic traditions of your forefathers, especially since this may be the only one. ;-)
I tend to prefer the term "Cool Beverage" which, I find covers a wide gamut of liquids and usually gets me what I want.
Sam may be right, but I actually read a study about this in a lingusitics class years ago.
I, too, grew up in the dialect of "pop" (and we're in the geographic majority, which may make us right.) However, following that slightly less than academic experience, I settled on "soda-pop", as it was included in the study I read and seemed to cover my bases. Fortunately, though, I don't really drink "it" often enough to talk about it frequently. :)
Yes, good posting. I find it's true in New York - I'll ask for pop and it will confuse people. But if I ask for soda ... then no confusion. It's so funny.
Here's another thing you can research and blog about that sets Utahans apart. When referring to roads in Utah, we say things like "go north on the 89". The key is we say "the" before roads. I didn't know that I did this until people out here called me on it. I say things like "I was driving on the 5 & 20" and they start laughing. Apparently it's just 5 & 20, not "the" 5 & 20. Whatever floats their boat :)
Using "the" before roads may be even more localized than you might think, Sarah. Having lived in Utah all my life, I'm not familiar with that practice. Maybe it's just a Farmington thing.
Ha ha ha - nope, it's definitely not a Farmington thing. Everyone I know from Utah does it ... apparently, everyone but you :) Even people who now live out here on the east coast, but grew up in Utah, do it. Maybe Centerville got left out or something. Too bad for you :)
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