Linguistic Turf Wars
Soda vs Pop Map Settles the Score
The choice and consequent usage of the word ‘soda’ or ‘pop’ is one of the US’ most argumentative topics, and it’s prevalent enough to warrant a study by the Journal of English Linguistics. Through the years, this debate has raged, culminating in a map. Based on 120,464 respondents, the map shows where in the United States people call drinks such as Coca Cola and Pepsi - soda or pop (and to my surprise, they even call it Coke in the South). See what your area calls it.
Trend Themes
1. Linguistic Preference - Opportunity for developing localized marketing campaigns and brand positioning based on regional linguistic preferences.
2. Cultural Identity - The opportunity to leverage regional dialects and terminology as a way to connect with consumers on a deeper level and enhance brand loyalty.
3. Language Mapping - Potential for using linguistic mapping data to identify regional language patterns and target specific consumer markets with tailored messaging.
Industry Implications
1. Beverage - Innovative opportunities for beverage companies to create customized product names and packaging based on regional language preferences.
2. Marketing - The chance for marketing agencies to develop targeted advertising campaigns that resonate with regional language variations and cultural nuances.
3. Market Research - Disruptive opportunities for market research firms to analyze regional language data and offer insights on consumer behavior and preferences.