General
coke
What does coke mean?
In much of the South, "coke" is the generic word for soda; a waiter may ask "what kind of coke?"
"You want a coke? We got Sprite, Dr Pepper, and root beer."
Origin
Genericization of the Coca-Cola brand, which originated in Atlanta, Georgia; the generic use is concentrated in the South.
Frequently asked questions
Why do Southerners call all soda coke?
Coca-Cola originated in Atlanta, and its brand name became the regional generic word for any carbonated soft drink.
How do you use coke in the Southern sense?
You order a "coke" and may be asked "what kind?", meaning what flavor or brand of soda you want.
Is coke a common word for soda everywhere?
No, the generic use is mostly a Southern US thing; other regions say "soda" or "pop."
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