Coca vs. cola

CA1Kwiziq community member

Coca vs. cola

Why is it "coca" rather than "cola"? Is that because it is a brand?

Asked 3 years ago
MaartenC1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

"Coca" is a registered trademark and widely used in France for the abbreviated reference to the ubiquitous beverage. As also often happens in English, some brand names become synonymous with a 'product' in general, and the word enters the general lexicon. It is not uncommon colloquially in France to be asked if you want ' un coca', instead of being offered 'une boisson'. Coca (as for 'coke') in English has other traditional meanings https://www.dictionnaire-academie.fr/article/A9C2719

Martha HA0Kwiziq community member

Pourqua ce coca et non cola. Parce que centers un marque registre

AsterC1Kwiziq community member
Cola doesn't really exist in French, you ask for une boisson (a drink) or a specific name brand (here coca cola is called coca).

Coca vs. cola

Why is it "coca" rather than "cola"? Is that because it is a brand?

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