Just a Pinch of South

For those of us who grew up in the South but have moved elsewhere, we love our roots and all they have provided. There's a lot that I've come to appreciate about the South. But let's be honest, most of us don't want to go back to "full Southern." We're happy with just a pinch here and there to add flavor to the life we live now. If you are not a Southerner, perhaps you'll come to better appreciate the little gifts the American South has given and continues to give our culture. Photos are not mine unless specified. Email me at justapinchofsouth @ gmail dot com. I tweet at @apinchofsouth and my other tumblr is called "everythingthatdoesntfitelsewhere" which is just what it sounds like.

Jan27

A few observations, if I may. If you used this map to indicate what is defined as “the South” by virtue of using “Coke” to mean any sort of fizzy soft drink, then West Virginia would be totally out. In fact all of Virginia is a little suspect (and I’m sure they’d be horrified to hear me say it, proud as they are of their roots). Whereas Texas, often not considered the South by those of us of Eastern persuasions, comes in firmly on the Southern team. Do observe how Southern Florida is decidedly Yankee in their fizzy drink vocabulary. And who knew Kentucky would be so Midwestern? The influence of Ohio. What a shame. The little circle of “soda” around St. Louis is also fascinating. How did that come about? Confession: up here in NYC I say soda. I conform. It’s just too confusing otherwise. Do forgive me, Southern friends!

A few observations, if I may.

If you used this map to indicate what is defined as “the South” by virtue of using “Coke” to mean any sort of fizzy soft drink, then West Virginia would be totally out. In fact all of Virginia is a little suspect (and I’m sure they’d be horrified to hear me say it, proud as they are of their roots). Whereas Texas, often not considered the South by those of us of Eastern persuasions, comes in firmly on the Southern team.

Do observe how Southern Florida is decidedly Yankee in their fizzy drink vocabulary. And who knew Kentucky would be so Midwestern? The influence of Ohio. What a shame. The little circle of “soda” around St. Louis is also fascinating. How did that come about?

Confession: up here in NYC I say soda. I conform. It’s just too confusing otherwise. Do forgive me, Southern friends!

23 notes #soda #soft drink #pop #coke #linguistics #language