How did a ‘health drink’ from the early 1800s spawn so many names and variations? An expert in American dialects explains.

Brandon Shahniani serves up cold treats from the 100-year-old soda fountain at the Fair Oaks Pharmacy in South Pasadena, CA, on Tuesday, July 24, 2024.

As for the Midwestern preference for “pop” – well, the earliest American use of the term to refer to a sparkling beverage appeared in the 1840s in the name of a flavored version called ...

As for the Midwestern preference for “pop” – well, the earliest American use of the term to refer to a sparkling beverage appeared in the 1840s in the name of a flavored version called ...

As for the Midwestern preference for “pop” – well, the earliest American use of the term to refer to a sparkling beverage appeared in the 1840s in the name of a flavored version called ...

As for the Midwestern preference for “pop” – well, the earliest American use of the term to refer to a sparkling beverage appeared in the 1840s in the name of a flavored version called ...