So, the eternal question: is the correct term pop or soda? (Or, are you some kind of freak from the south who calls all carbonated beverage coke?)Well, this map (click on the post title for the full-scale map) lays it out for you. Wisconsin is actually an especially interesting spot in the distribution. Generally, it's pop in the northern half of the country and coke in the lower half of the country. A few regions prefer soda, however. These include much of new england, california and surrounding areas, the area around St. Louis, and eastern Wisconsin. Only in Wisconsin does the 'soda' convention respect state lines. The soda band is halted on the north by Michigan's UP, and on the south by Illinois. By contrast, the St. Louis zone is nearly circular, showing a more natural spreading.
But what does it mean? I think it indicates that the linguistic difference represents a cultural choice. Saying soda rather than pop identifies (in a very small way) who we are. It reminds me of the former Yugoslavia, where the war seems to have crystallized the independent languages of Serbian and Croatian from the blended serbo-croatian. I wonder what would happen if Wisconsin went to war with Illinois and Michigan? (linguistically speaking, of course.) And I wonder if anyone has ever researched attitudes toward the words pop and soda across Wisconsin? Are people more committed to their choice near the borders? Why isn't there a similar effect in St. Louis? And why did I go into chemistry instead of linguistics?
PS: At the site, click on the map for a stats breakdown.
1 comment:
If I didn't know you, I would take offense at the "freak from the South" comment. However, I submit that the colloquial naming of soft drinks is but the tip of the linguistic iceberg and it's all relative. Whatever you grew up hearing is going to sound safe and familiar while the same object by another name will grate your ears like nails on a chalkboard (i.e., water fountain vs. bubbler). As far as difference in actual drink preference is concerned, there's always the iced tea vs. hot tea, sweet vs. unsweetened debate. But let's not go there. As for why you (and I) went into chemistry, God only knows. I'll go back to my coke now, which incidentally is a Diet Mountain Dew.
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