This makes no sense to me. I'm a NC native and so are my parents, and about 300 years of ancestors. I've never, ever used "coke" as a generic term. I've always used "soda" and "soft drink" about equally, and so does a guy I've been friends with for 19 years, who is also a native, and his parents are both from Kentucky.

Coke is a brand name to me. If I want Coca-cola specifically, I ask for Coke (I prefer Pepsi). If someone offers me a Coke, I assume I'm being offered a Coca-cola.

My whole class laughed one time when our teacher said "pop". I think he was from Michigan or Minnesota.

8/8/2008 11:46:47 AM