What do you call that syrupy, carbonated liquid that comes out of cans and bottles and is sold by companies like Coca-Cola and Pepsi?
Do you call it pop? How about soda? Or maybe you just call it Coke, even if it's another brand.
Well, science has answered this question that divides America in regional camps -- it all depends on where you live, as this county-by-county map shows.
If you live in the South -- like I do -- you know that the only correct term for a soft drink is "coke," regardless who makes it. This is likely because Atlanta is the home of the Coca-Cola company.
If you live in the Northeast, you call it soda, mostly because you just like to be different.
If you live in the Midwest, the mountain states or the Pacific Northwest you call it pop -- because ... well, I have no idea why.
If you live in Alaska you are extremely confused. And if you live in California or South Florida you are still way too connected linguistically to the Northeast. Can't you come up with your own name?
And what's with all the folks around St. Louis who want to be more like Maine than Minnesota?