it's Coke and Pepsi

[Laurence Horn]

Seems like a nice example of a "fixed
binomial"/"freeze" as well, for reasons of
phonology, history, and/or market share, assuming
"Pepsi and/or Coke" in the relevant uses Paul
indicates below is much less likely (hard to tell
by googling without going through lots of
irrelevant hits).

LH




At 4:33 PM +0100 12/3/10, Paul Frank wrote:
>The expressions "Coke and Pepsi" or "Coke or Pepsi" are often used to
>refer to a monopolistic situation in which consumers or voters can
>only choose between two very similar alternatives. Same product in
>different cans. This phrase is so obvious to Americans that most don't
>even notice it. Examples:
>
>Though the U.S. has more dialysis clinics than ever, patients don't
>necessarily have more choice. "It's Coke and Pepsi," said Joseph
>Atkins, who has been in the industry for 37 years as a technician,
>nurse, clinic owner, and consultant. "And in some places, it can be
>Coke or Pepsi."
>   The Atlantic, December 2010
>http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2010/12/-8220-god-help-you-you-39-re-on-dialysis-8221/8308/3
>
>My precinct is solid Democratic along with Indies, no one on my street
>is happy they are pissed. They are not even afraid of the wingers
>losing, as  a young un said at the coffee, the only difference I can
>see is I don't have to look at or listen to MCain, as we get screwed
>I'd much rather hve to watch Obama. Not good at all, in there eyes
>it's coke or pepsi time again.
>   Daily Koos, reader's comment, December 15, 2009,
>http://www.dailykos.com/story/2009/12/15/814776/-Remove-mandate,-or-kill-this-bill
>
>What's worse is the people who think that voting democrat is going to
>make things better. It's coke or pepsi. Poop or puke.
>
>http://www.patsfans.com/new-england-patriots/messageboard/12/82681-gop-stunned-loss-mississippi.html
>
>Paul
>
>Paul Frank
>Translator
>Chinese, German, French, Italian > English
>Espace de l'Europe 16
>Neuchâtel, Switzerland
>paulfrank at bfs.admin.ch
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>
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