Do you say Coke or pop?
I am definitely a pop fan, but many others prefer the word Coke when referring to a carbonated beverage. The Coke vs. pop debate is a common one with much disagreement.
I don’t understand what there is to disagree about because how can a Coke be anything other than Coca-Cola?
It really bothers me when I hear someone say that they want a Coke, and then someone else asks what kind.
If I want a Pepsi, then what do I say? Do I still ask for a Coke and then tell them I want a Pepsi, or do I just tell them I want a Coke?
The whole Coke philosophy bothers me, because I am confused about what the definition of Coke is supposed to be. The confusion is why I believe the word pop is the best expression for a carbonated beverage.
It is the best because it is short for soda pop, so people who use this expression will understand the term.
In my mind, the expression is superior to Coke, because the word pop is not brand name specific. Basically it is just less confusing.
This debate has become so hot that there are Internet sites that take surveys to determine which words are used and where.
The Pop vs. Soda site lets visitors participate in the debate by filling out a brief survey asking the words they use and their hometown and state.
According to the site, Louisiana is a strictly Coke state, so I guess that means for now I am outnumbered and forced to live with the word Coke.
Don’t get me wrong. I know that there are flaws with using the pop expression. It might trigger some people to think about music or a loud noise, but it is still my word of choice because Coke just doesn’t cut it for me.
Even though the Coke expression still bothers me, I am getting more used to it than I was when I first arrived in New Orleans. So maybe there is still hope that I will understand the Coke system one day in the future and be able to correctly order the beverage of my choice at restaurants. Until then, I guess it would be too much to ask for everyone to use the same word, so for now I am simply hoping to understand the different expressions and how to use them correctly.
