Why do we call G&Ts gin *and* tonics but VTs just vodka tonics?

[tatamagouche]

Some of us have too much time on our hands.

[Veggo]

My hypothesis is that gin and tonic got here first, in the days when we were wantonly and recklessly wasteful with our natural resources, including trees and paper. A VT is much more compact, and as it occurs in print, it will eventually spare the need for another page...and will save another tree. A VT is very PC.
Next, we should obviate the use of the letter "u" following "Q's" , and save still more trees...:)

[tatamagouche]

Well, now that there's Q tonic, you could just call a gin and tonic a GQ.

[Veggo]

GQ...very PC. Bartenders, take note of the VT ( Veggo-tatamagouche ) collaboration...

[Alcachofa]

Because that way both follow the meter of "Caedmon's Hymn".

[FriedClamFanatic]

In the UK, I think they just say "Gin Tonic"

[MMRuth]

Is that the same as a "Gin and It"?

[JMF]

No. Gin and It is gin and sweet vermouth.

See this thread.

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/411172

[MMRuth]

Thanks - I thought after I posted that I should have searched!

[wontonton]

In the UK, I've also heard "Whisky Soda".

[brendastarlet]

We call them V&Ts.

For Man Men fans, I guess if Jimmy Barrett had a cocktail, it would be a Gin and Barrett.

[alanbarnes]

It's the whole consonant-vowel-consonant thing. "Gin and tonic" rolls off the tongue; no double vowels. Same with "vodka tonic" But if you order a "vodka and tonic" you have to make a full stop before the "and." Which can be difficult at times.

"I drink Asti Spumante until I can't pronounce it any more. Then I drink beer." - Benny Hill

[tatamagouche]

Oh, I suppose you're right. It's the natural alternating stressed and unstressed syllables thing.

I imagine this Q would have been more appropriate for a logophile's forum—but then, a good drink can foster all sorts of philias. As well as, yes, the inability to speak the words one loves.

Edit: I mean natural in the English language, of course, although FCF's claim below complicates the theory.