Saturday, July 09, 2016

American Regional Slang



Which term was used to refer to soft drinks such as Coke, Pepsi, 7-Up or Dr. Pepper when you were young?

  1. "Pick up some pop when you go to the store."
  2. "Pick up some soda when you go to the store."
  3. "Pick up some soda pop when you go to the store."

[In Arizona, "pop" was widely used. My wife, who was raised in the wilds of New Jersey, heard nothing but "soda."]

8 comments:

Steve said...

Growing up in Connecticut, for us it was always soda, except for a neighborhood friend originally from, I believe, Philadelphia, who always called it "soder pop."

Steve said...

The other regional slang I was aware of growing up is what to call a long sandwich; we called it a sub, my friend from Philadelphia called it a hogie, and my relatives from Maine invariably referred to one as an "Italian" (pronounced Eye-talian). My relatives in Maine still enjoy their Italians.

Michael Wade said...

Steve,

That's the first I've heard of the "soder pop" option. Soda pop is a nice merger and it distinguishes the drink from what you'd get at a soda fountain.

Michael

Michael Wade said...

Steve,

Interesting examples. I mainly encountered "sub" or "submarine." I've heard it described as a "hero" sandwich in some states.

Michael

Richard (Rick) Georges said...

"Son, on your way back from your music lesson, would you please stop by the grocery store, and purchase some carbonated beverages, in various sizes and flavors?"

Michael Wade said...

Rick,

That is very upscale!

Thanks!

Michael

Unknown said...

In east Texas, we called everything "coke". So you would say "I would like a coke", and the question would be, "What kind?" You would then say "Dr. Pepper". Crazy, I know, but true. Still that way.

Michael Wade said...

Chad,

That may win the award for the most unusual!

Michael