"Northerner rules"

[XAntoftheSkyX]

Originally Posted by ASTalumna06

Boston and the surrounding area is a toss up. I grew up in Nashua, NH, right on the border of MA, and everyone said "soda". My grandparents, who live in Woburn, MA, a 45 minute drive away, say "tonic". Another 15 minute drive south, and you hit Boston, where I've heard people say "soda," "tonic" and "coke".

However, from what I can tell, "soda" is still more popular in the area.

That's odd, my grandparents lived in that area and refer to it as 'tonic' so I'm guessing it's maybe more generational than regional?

Cape Cod AFAIK all says 'soda', I haven't heard a New Englander refer to it otherwise.

[Ch2tf]

Originally Posted by XAntoftheSkyX

That's odd, my grandparents lived in that area and refer to it as 'tonic' so I'm guessing it's maybe more generational than regional?

Cape Cod AFAIK all says 'soda', I haven't heard a New Englander refer to it otherwise.

Same here. I'm from Boston and everyone I know/encounter say soda with the exception of my grandmother who calls it tonic. If someone says Coke then they get a coca-cola. Saying Pop around here is usually when one is referring to their dad/grandad.

[AGDLynn]

If I haven't looked at the menu or haven't been there before, and I ask for Coke or Sweet Tea, and the answer is "We don't have that", then I order water.