jgpo@iwu1c.UUCP (John, KA9MNK) (03/21/84)
Here in northeastern Illinois, "pop" refers to that sweet, fizzy water with a dab of artificial coloring and a modicum of flavor. "Soda" refers either to the ice-cream-based beverage or to carbonated water, depending on context. "Tonic," when used in the context of potable substances, invariably refers to quinine water. In Michigan's Upper Peninsula, carbonated water is called "seltzer." If you make the mistake of ordering, say, a "brandy and soda," you will get (1) an strange look, and then (2) brandy with 7-Up. Yechhh!! I know; I've done it. Around here, "seltzer" doesn't get you into trouble; you get the drink you expect, but "soda" is more commonly heard. I'd never heard of calling a water fountain a "bubbler" before, but I kind of like it. It sounds friendlier. It's descriptive, too. What's the water doing? It's bubbling up out of the pipe, of course. Let's hear (well, see) some more regionalisms; they're fun and interesting. John Opalko AT&T Bell Labs Naperville, IL
maggie2@iwpba.UUCP (maggie2) (03/22/84)
None of my friends that I grew up with (here in Northeastern Illinois)
call drinks like Coke, Pepsi, etc. 'pop'. In fact, I never heard
it refered to as pop until I started working with a lot of non-natives.
We always have called it 'soda'. I also asked two co-workers (who also
are natives) and they agreed with me. So it doesn't seem to be a
regional expression - more of a background type thing.
Marguerite Czajka
...!ihnp4!iwpba!maggie2hrs@houxb.UUCP (H.SILBIGER) (03/22/84)
a The type of pastry that is called a Danish in the East is called a sweet roll in the Midwest
flinn@seismo.UUCP (E. A. Flinn) (03/22/84)
---- One shibboleth for Oklahoma-type hillbillies like me is that we tend to say 'warsh-rag' for 'wash cloth.'