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Cola Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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cola

[ˈkoʊlə ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

drink

A sweet, carbonated soft drink containing caffeine and made from the kola nut.

Synonyms

pop, soda, soft drink.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
cola

Commonly used to refer to carbonated beverages that typically have a caramel color and flavor, most famously Coca-Cola or Pepsi. Suitable for casual or brand-specific conversations.

  • I'd like a cola with my meal
  • Do you prefer cola or root beer?
soda

Widely used in the United States, especially in the Northeast and California, to refer to any carbonated soft drink. Suitable for both casual and semi-formal settings.

  • Would you like some soda with your pizza? What kind of soda do you serve?
pop

Regional term predominantly used in the Midwest and Northern United States to refer to any carbonated soft drink. Casual and often informal.

  • Can you grab me a pop from the fridge? What kind of pop do you have?
soft drink

Formal term often used in restaurants, menus, and official communications to refer to non-alcoholic carbonated beverages.

  • We offer a variety of soft drinks
  • I would like a soft drink with no ice, please

Examples of usage

  • Would you like some cola with your meal?
  • I prefer to drink cola instead of coffee.
Context #2 | Noun

brand

A popular brand of carbonated soft drink.

Synonyms

soda, soft drink.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
cola

Commonly used to refer specifically to a type of carbonated beverage that usually contains caffeine and has a distinctive flavor, often associated with brands like Coca-Cola or Pepsi.

  • I'll have a cola with my burger, please.
  • The cola they serve here tastes a bit different from what I'm used to.
soda

Used broadly in American English to refer to any carbonated drink. Typically understood in the United States, but may cause confusion in other English-speaking regions.

  • Could you grab a soda from the fridge for me?
  • They have a wide variety of sodas at this convenience store.
soft drink

A formal or general term used in various English-speaking regions to denote non-alcoholic carbonated beverages. Suitable for professional or formal settings.

  • Can I get a soft drink with my meal?
  • The conference room is stocked with soft drinks and snacks.

Examples of usage

  • I always choose cola over other brands.
  • She ordered a cola at the restaurant.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

History

  • Cola was first created in the late 1800s, with the iconic recipe from Coca-Cola developed by John Stith Pemberton in 1886.
  • In the early days, cola was marketed for its supposed health benefits, advertised as a tonic for ailments.

Pop Culture

  • Cola has appeared prominently in movies and TV shows, often representing youthful rebellion or social gatherings.
  • Cola brands have been involved in famous marketing campaigns, like Coca-Cola's 'Share a Coke,' which personalized drink labels.

Science

  • The carbonation in cola comes from carbon dioxide gas, creating the fizzy sensation and unique mouthfeel.
  • Studies show that caffeine in cola can affect mental alertness and can be a quick energy booster for many people.

Health

  • Consuming cola in moderation can be part of an active lifestyle, but excessive sugar and caffeine intake can lead to health issues.
  • There are sugar-free and caffeine-free cola options available, catering to those who want fewer calories but still enjoy the flavor.

Origin of 'cola'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'cola' comes from the kola nut, which is a seed of the kola tree, used in original cola recipes for flavor and caffeine.
  • The term has been in use since the late 19th century, coinciding with the rise of soft drinks in the United States.

The word 'cola' originated from the kola nut, which was used as a flavoring ingredient in the original recipe for the drink. The carbonated soft drink we know today as cola was first introduced in the late 19th century and has since become a popular beverage worldwide.

See also: colander.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,871, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.