[Kim Maengnyeong's Golf English Conversation] "Cola, Coke, and Pepsi"

Coca-Cola and Pepsi are popular carbonated beverages at golf courses.

The hot summer is approaching.

The most popular carbonated drink at snack shops on American golf courses is, of course, Cola. When domestic golfers ask for a glass of cola in the Korean way (Can I have a cola?), they are not understood. The service staff ask, "Is Coke OK? Is Pepsi OK?" because the brands are divided between Coca and Pepsi. Coca Cola is called Coke, and Pepsi Cola uses its brand name as is.

In the US or UK, when ordering a carbonated drink, cola is ordered by brand name. "Can I have a Coke with lots of ice?" If you prefer Pepsi, "I’d like a Pepsi" is correct. To take cola on a golf cart, you must put a lid on the cup. The lid is not called a cover but a lid (Can I get a lid, please?).

When you need a holder to carry the cola, say "Can I get a sleeve, please?" Some Middle Eastern regions only sell Pepsi Cola (We don’t have Coke, but we have Pepsi). This is because Coca Cola started as an Israeli Jewish capital company. Coca Cola’s market share is 30%, and Pepsi’s is 70%. Coca Cola was developed in 1886 by pharmacist Johnstein Pemberton as a headache remedy and digestive aid.

It is made by mixing liquid extracted from the fruit of the Cola nut tree, which grows in Africa and tropical regions, with sugar, caramel coloring, acidulants, and flavorings, then adding carbonated water. In this process, the hallucinogenic components of coca leaves and the bitter and astringent tastes of the extract are removed. Pepsi Cola’s name comes from the Greek word ‘pepse,’ meaning digestion, and it was created in 1893. Various carbonated drinks including cola are called soda.

A (snack shop clerk): Can I help you? You look thirsty.

B (golfer): Yes, can I have a Coke with lots of ice?

A: Sure, are you going to take it on the cart?

B: Yes.

A: Here’s your Coke and a lid to keep it from spilling.

B: Thanks.

Written by Kim Maengnyeong, Golf Columnist