Americans who use the word “coke” as a generic term for soda, what do you say if you want to order an actual coke?

10 comments

1. You say that you want a coke? Otherwise you look at the menu and specify what you want.

2. Coke. And then they may ask “is Pepsi OK?” And I’ll smile. Knowing we won the Cola Wars, l’ll say, “sure!”

3. I ask for a Coca-Cola, the official name (I think)

4. Coca-Cola

5. I think this is kind of a misnomer. If I’m at a restaurant and I want Coke, I say Coke. If I want Dr. Pepper, I say Dr. Pepper, etc.

   But in conversation, I might say, “Can you grab cokes for the party?” And it’s understood that we want a variety.

6. “Yo can I swing by and get a gram?”

7. Coke. Based on most restaurant offerings I want classic coke with the meals I want a soft drink with.

   Soul Food in general I want sweet tea. Mexican I want a Mexican Coke. Burgers I generally want a regular coke. My local Chick Fil A has Cherry Coke on fountain so I get that. Usually I get chery coke or cherry Dr pepper in bottles at the Circle K or whatever.

   Pepsi places I drink Dr Pepper except for Taco Bell then it’s Mountain Dew. Not a fan of Pepsi in general.

8. I would always just say “Coke,” regardless. Until high school where my first job was waiting tables.. Now I specifically say “soda,” or “diet soda,” because I remember how annoying it was asking every table “Is Pepsi ok?” Now I call them sodas.

9. Coke is just a catch all term, like soda or pop. It’s usually just whatever cola they offer. Could be Pepsi, RC or just Coke. Usually someone will tell you what they have. Is ______ ok?

10. Most restaurants either carry Coca-Cola products or Pepsi cola products. So if you order a Coke and they only have Pepsi they’ll ask you if you want a Pepsi. So they usually have the whole line. so if they carry coke They’ll have Sprite, Barq’s rootbeer etc, if they have Pepsi products, they’ll have mountain dew, mug rootbeer, 7-Up etc