e.g. hoover = to vacuum
2006-10-11 13:15:27 · 10 answers · asked by ROWANMARSHALL 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
There are several related terms for words derived from proper names. The most common is the "eponymn", in which the name of a person is used to name of a particular place, tribe, discovery or other item.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eponym
(includes links for lists of eponyms)
see also http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_eponyms
The particular case you mention --in which a trademark or brand name becomes "THE colloquial description for a particular type of product or service as a result of widespread popular or cultural usage"-- is sometimes called a "genericized trademark"
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genericized_trademark#Former_trademarks_now_used_generically
Here's a nice list of other examples:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_generic_and_genericized_trademarks
2006-10-12 00:46:54 · answer #1 · answered by bruhaha 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If a trade name isn't properly protected. It becomes part of the public domain and can be used by anybody. Aspirin was originally a product name for Bayer but they didn't protect the name and aspirin is now a generic term.
2006-10-11 13:26:01 · answer #2 · answered by nana4dakids 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is known as a generic term. It also applies to People as well as products e.g. Quisling - A word most Norwegians are not very proud of. Definition: A generic term is a noun or noun phrase that refers to a whole class, or any member of a class as a representative of its class.
2006-10-12 01:42:54 · answer #3 · answered by Danny99 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have been looking for this answer for quite a while now. No one I ask seems to know. I know what you mean, I call all tissue, Kleenex. If I find it, I will come back and let you know. But I will keep checking and see if anyone answers your question.
2006-10-11 13:19:24 · answer #4 · answered by Patti C 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think its called Metonymy, like
The White house (meaning the US government)
2006-10-11 13:29:28 · answer #5 · answered by Amy G 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Its called brand recognition in business terms. i.e going to a restaurant and ordering a coca cola instead of cola
2006-10-11 13:23:17 · answer #6 · answered by caramel05151138 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think the term is , I'v cracked it now so you lot can go f*ck yourselve's !
2006-10-14 01:29:57 · answer #7 · answered by nicemanvery 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
i think it's called a "household name"
2006-10-11 13:21:42 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
is it not just called generalisation?
2006-10-11 13:26:01 · answer #9 · answered by NetNet 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
ovulation
ejaculation
masturbation
one of those three
2006-10-11 13:35:22 · answer #10 · answered by Andoo W 2 · 0⤊ 4⤋