More than a century after the creation of Coca-Cola, we're still as much in love with this most famous of soft drinks as our great-grandparents were. Hold up a Coke, and you proclaim all that's best about the American way of life: Coca-Cola is first dates and shy kisses, a platoon of war-weary GIs getting letters from home, and an old, rusted sign creaking in the wind outside the hometown diner. Coca-Cola is also one of the most successful companies the world has ever known; nothing can be that big and popular, so much a part of everyday life, without having legends spring up around it. Coca-Cola's uniquely influential position in our culture has led to a special set of legends we call 'Cokelore'; a collection of Coke trivia and tall tales sure to refresh even the most informationally-parched reader.
TRUE
Red, White, and Jew
Coca-Cola was once considered anti-Semitic for refusing to do business in Israel.
TRUE
Feel the Curves
Coca-Cola recalled an advertising poster due to a risqué image hidden within it.
PARTLY TRUE
Cocaine-Cola
Coca-Cola used to contain cocaine.
PARTLY TRUE
Design Err Shape
The shape of the Coca-Cola bottle was based on the cacao tree seed pod.
PARTLY TRUE
Bite the Wax Tadpole
Coca-Cola's name was translated into Chinese as "bite the wax tadpole."
FALSE
Knew Coke
The New Coke fiasco was actually a clever marketing ploy.
FALSE
Fortuitous Fizz
Coca-Cola became carbonated by accident.
FALSE
The Claus That Refreshes
The modern image of Santa Claus was created by Coca-Cola.
FALSE
Killer Sperm
Coca-Cola is an effective contraceptive.
FALSE
Coke Adds Life
Pouring Coca-Cola onto a piece of raw pork will cause worms to come crawling out of the meat.
FALSE
Tooth in Advertising
A tooth left in a glass of Coca-Cola will dissolve overnight.
FALSE
Painkiller Combination
Combining Coca-Cola and aspirin will get you high.
FALSE
Have a Cloak and a Smile
Only two people in the company know Coca-Cola's formula, and each of them only knows half of it.
FALSE
How Green Was My Ballyhoo
Coca-Cola was originally green.
FALSE
LDS Sense
The Mormons own the Coca-Cola Company.
FALSE
Derisive Snort
The cursive script of the Coca-Cola label includes an image of a person snorting cocaine.
FALSE
Death of Little Mikey
Little Mikey of LIFE cereal fame died from the explosive effects of mixing Pop Rocks candy with Coca-Cola.
FALSE
Acid Slip
The acids in Coca-Cola make it harmful to drink.
FALSE
Canned Response
A child who drank the liquid used as ballast in a MagiCan promotion died.
FALSE
CO2 Fast, 2 Furious
A university student who drank too many Cokes died from carbon dioxide poisoning.
FALSE
The Reich Stuff
Fanta was invented by the Nazis.
FALSE
Diet Riot
Diet Coke contains more calories than stated, with Coca-Cola opting to pay a fine for the deception.
FALSE
Bottle It!
Coca-Cola came to be bottled when a stranger sold a two-word remarkable idea to the company: "Bottle it."
FALSE
MSG Mickey
Coca-Cola spiked with MSG is an aphrodisiac or soporific.
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