Why do Texans refer to all soda as "Coke"? (Houston: live in, store)

[Sonrise]

I was in Houston a few weeks ago on business for and we got into a fun conversation about local/regional coloquilisms. The topic of soda came up and we mentioned that most of the country does indeed refer to this beverage as soda. However some parts, specifically that Great Lakes region and all of Canada refer to it as pop. My co-workers in Houston mentioned that in Texas when eating out people order a "coke" and then the normal response is, "what kind, Dr. Pepper, Sprite, Pepsi, etc...?"

I was very perplexed and mentioned to them that this made absolutely no sense whatsoever since Coke is a specific cola flavored carbonated beverage. That would be like going to Dairy Queen and ordering a chocolate cone and as they're about to prepare it tell them that you want vanilla. While they are both indeed types if ice cream they are very different and distinct in flavor. Same with coke and other brands/flavors. All, of my Texan co-workers paused for a minute, digesting my point and nodded in unison, getting my point immediately.

So anyway, just curious as to why and how this came about as it is factually incorrect. Thanks

[Bo]

It's a southern thing, owing to the dominance of the Atlanta-based Coca Cola company south of the Mason-Dixon line. Here's map that shows the preferred name for soft drinks in the US.

[BstYet2Be]

Well, actually, it IS a fact that in the southern states, including Texas, a coke does mean ANY KIND of soft drink.

A conversation usually goes like this,

"Do y'all want a coke?" (note... generic coke)

"Yes!"

"What kind?"

"Oh, make it a Sprite!"

"I'll have a Coke!"

"Make mine a Dr. Pepper!"

What can I say, 'tis the way it's done here... and EVERYONE will know exactly what you mean!

[JJG]

Not 100% true.
When I want a Sprite, I don't say, "I want the clear, limon-lime Coke."

[ITChick]

That's interesting. I noticed that too when I spent time in Houston last year.
I made the mistake of asking one of the clerks at a grocery store there where the "Pop" aisle was, and although she looked at me funny (I'm a midwesterner and that's what we call it), she said to me, "I know what you're talking about, because I'm from Michigan, so follow me!".

[Sonrise]

Originally Posted by Bowie

It's a southern thing, owing to the dominance of the Atlanta-based Coca Cola company south of the Mason-Dixon line. Here's map that shows the preferred name for soft drinks in the US.

Not true, I live in SC and if anyone referred to all soda as coke they'd look at you like you have 3 heads.

I'm just pointing out that, while common, it's factually inaccurate. Coke is a cola flavored carbonated beverage. BMW is headquartered here in Greenville, yet we don't refer to all cars as BMW's.

[jfre81]

Gimme a Jack and Coke anyday!

(Even if it's really Beam)

[EclecticEars]

Because that's the way God intended it!

[SanAntoQT]

Originally Posted by Sonrise

Not true, I live in SC and if anyone referred to all soda as coke they'd look at you like you have 3 heads.

I'm just pointing out that, while common, it's factually inaccurate. Coke is a cola flavored carbonated beverage. BMW is headquartered here in Greenville, yet we don't refer to all cars as BMW's.

Pepsi is also a cola flavored carbonated beverage, so, by your definition, Pepsi would be a coke.

[BstYet2Be]

Originally Posted by Sonrise

Not true, I live in SC and if anyone referred to all soda as coke they'd look at you like you have 3 heads.

I'm just pointing out that, while common, it's factually inaccurate. Coke is a cola flavored carbonated beverage. BMW is headquartered here in Greenville, yet we don't refer to all cars as BMW's.

Oh, please!!! I've been to SC many, many times... to several different cities and towns... and I have NEVER heard anyone refer to it as anything other than coke... and that's a fact!

By the way, them there cars are called beamers!