"Northerner rules"

[ASTalumna06]

Originally Posted by Miriverite

I'm smack dab in the middle of Boston, and we say "coke".

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.

[christiangirl]

Originally Posted by ASTalumna06

My grandparents, who live in Woburn, MA, a 45 minute drive away, say "tonic".

WTH? Are they drinking it with gin?

Conversations like this annoy me to death!

Me: What would you like to drink?
Someone: Coke.
Me: What kind? (thinking they'll say "diet" or "cherry")
Someone: Dr. Pepper.
Me: What?

No matter how many times it happens, I can't get used to it. I feel like I've walked into a bad joke every time.

[AGDee]

Originally Posted by christiangirl

WTH? Are they drinking it with gin?

Conversations like this annoy me to death!

Me: What would you like to drink?
Someone: Coke.
Me: What kind? (thinking they'll say "diet" or "cherry")
Someone: Dr. Pepper.
Me: What?

No matter how many times it happens, I can't get used to it. I feel like I've walked into a bad joke every time.

If someone told me they wanted Coke, that's exactly what they would get. I wouldn't think to ask which kind. If I asked someone what they wanted to drink, I would expect "Diet Coke" or "Cherry Coke" if that's what they wanted. They'd learn fast with me, most likely!

[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.