master-cooks | Why Do Some US Regions Call Soda Pop?

In the United States, the terminology used to refer to carbonated soft drinks varies significantly by region, largely due to historical and cultural influences. In some areas, particularly in the Midwest and parts of the Northwest, the term "pop" is prevalent. This term likely gained popularity through a combination of factors, including early marketing efforts and regional speech patterns. The word "pop" is believed to have originated from the sound that a carbonated beverage makes when opened. Historically, the development and spread of the soft drink industry played a role in shaping regional language preferences. As bottling plants and soda fountains became more widespread, local vernacular began to form around the products they offered. In contrast, the term "soda" is more commonly used in the Northeastern parts of the United States, as well as in California, and is thought to have been influenced by the soda fountains that were popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Meanwhile, in the South, "coke" is often used as a generic term for all carbonated drinks, a nod to the Coca-Cola brand's origins in Atlanta, Georgia. These linguistic variations reflect regional identities and continue to be a source of light-hearted debate among Americans.

The regions where pop reigns supreme

When examining a map that illustrates the various terms people use for soda throughout the United States, several patterns emerge. One notable trend is that, thanks to the creation of Coca-Cola in Atlanta, Georgia, many people in the Southern U.S. refer to all soft drinks as "coke." In contrast, the term "soda" is predominantly used in the Northeast, California, Arizona, the eastern part of Wisconsin, and around St. Louis. However, the majority of the Midwest and West still favor the term "pop."

The widespread use of "pop" in the Midwest and West is believed to have originated from the drink brand Faygo and its strawberry-flavored variant, Red Pop, which was first bottled in Detroit by brothers Perry and Ben Feigenson in the early 20th century. Due to its popularity in the Midwest, "pop" also gained traction in the Pacific Northwest, where the dialect was significantly influenced by migration from the upper Midwest.

Therefore, if you hail from a region where "soda" is the preferred term for soft drinks, don’t be surprised if you receive some puzzled looks when you request one in an area where "pop" reigns supreme. People can be quite protective of their local vernacular, and sometimes it’s best to adapt to the local customs when you’re in a new place.

Why Do Some US Regions Call Soda Pop?

The regions where pop reigns supreme

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