That's an ironic example, because I've been to several areas where Coke is the generic term and people would be confused if you said soda or soft drink or whate

That's an ironic example, because I've been to several areas where Coke is the generic term and people would be confused if you said soda or soft drink or whatever. I have literally asked for a Coke and been asked "what kind?", with a gesture to a menu listing Sprite etc. (They were not asking about Diet Coca Cola.)