What is the origin of the word “Pepsi” as in Pepsi Cola? Most know that “Coca” Cola comes from the coca bean or cocaine when it first originated.
I have always assumed that the word “Pepsi” is actually an anagram for “is pep”, as in the caffiene gives you pep, as well refreshment. Anybody know if I’m close to the fact? Help!
Dunno. Pepsi was originally called “Brad’s Drink” and it was invented in the back of a pharmecy. I cannot find why they decided to call it Pepsi. (Didnt really look to hard so there is still hope)
The Pepsi website doesn’t specify but someone in their public relations department will have the official line.
Don’t assume. I once assumed my girlfriend was taking birth control pills because (1) I had been paying for then for a couple of years and (2) she said she was.
Pepsi Cola = pepsin + kola nuts
I believe Gatsby has it right. Pepsi used to contain pepsin, I believe. I don’t think it does any more. See Poundstone’s book “Big Secrets”.
Remember, back when they started all these soft drinks were at least quasi-medicinal. Even pure and simple 7-Up used to contain lithium salts and bill itself as “the lithiated soda”.
Hmm good theory, even if true, I like mine better, lol. Doesn’t it sound catchy? “Pepsi is pep!”
minor hijak:
If you do run across old Pepsi stuff…save it.
Antiques Roadshow came up with an interesting fact a few shows back. Around the WWII era Pepsi was the REAL underdog and almost went bankrupt. Their advertising spending bearly amounted to 1/10th of Coca Cola.
Result: Pepsi advertising paraphernalia from that period is worth a ton more than Coke stuff, simply because of it’s rarity.