Soda, Pop, or Soda Pop?

The term "Soda Pop" is thought to have originated in America's Midwest in the late 1800s. There are a few different theories about how the term came about. The most likely explanation is that it is a combination of the words "Soda Water" (carbonated water) and "Pop" from the sound that the cap made when the bottle was opened.

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In a 2016 issue of JAMA Ophthalmology Journal, there was an article about the rate of eye injuries caused by champagne corks. Between 1990 and 2010 eye loss due to corks declined by 28%. However, the study found that an estimated 20 people per year lose an eye in the United States after being struck by a champagne cork. 

Note the sharp scalloped edge
of this 1920s bottle cap.

Soda water was used to make popular carbonated soft drinks (i.e., Chocolate Phosphate) at soda fountains in drug stores and lunch counters in many '5 and Dime' stores. A "Soda Jerk" made ice cream creations and drinks using soda water and various syrups, i.e., Coca-Cola, Green River, Ginger (Ale), making soft drinks for customers seated at the counter. The sound of the cap popping off a carbonated beverage bottle is familiar to people from past generations.

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Phosphates – In existence since at least the 1870s, phosphates were standard at soda fountains and were made differently from today’s soft drinks, as a key ingredient was acid phosphate. They had a tangier, tarter taste than today’s sugary sodas and generally included fruit juice or fruit syrup. The most popular flavor was cherry, and the “wild cherry” formulation included ground-up cherry bark (also good for coughs and indigestion). 

Egg Creams – Surprisingly, this beverage does not contain either eggs or cream. The quintessential Bronx New York treat, these are made from milk, flavored syrup (usually vanilla or chocolate) and seltzer, mixed up until frothy and served in a frosted glass.

"Pop" is most commonly used in the upper Midwest, with Chicago seemingly being the term nucleus. People in other parts of the country are more likely to refer to carbonated beverages (soft drinks) as "soda." Most people in the United States and elsewhere order their carbonated beverages by their brand name.

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A 21st Century Bottle  Warning Label  - sent back to 1910s beverage bottlers:

"Do not shake the bottle before opening. It contains a carbonated beverage. The expanding gas can forcefully explode the cap/cork at a dangerous velocity. Shaking a bottle, pointing it at someone to get them wet, may result in accidentally shooting an eye out."

By Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.