Eponyms: Brand names used for everyday items

[blakgumshoo]

An eponym is a brand name that has fallen into general use to describe an item. Just goes to show that big corporations are taking over the minds of America. (Which reminds me, I gotta get Kleenex at Wal-mart today...)

Examples:

Kleenex for tissue

Wite-out for correction fluid

Saran wrap for plastic wrap

Band-aid for bandage

Jell-o for gelatin dessert

Coke for soda (or pop)- I remember when a customer at the restaurant I work at asked me for coke. She got pissed because I didn't ask her what type of coke she wanted...and she wanted grape coke!

Got anymore out there?

[godslaw75]

Here are a few

XEROX- photocopy produced by an electronic xerography machine

velcro - hook and loop fastener

LISTERINE - antiseptic mouthwash

Q-TIPS - cotton swab applicator

POP TART - toaster pastry

[ArkAngel]

In Australia, textas are a brand that make stationery, mainly markers, and as a result, 'textas" are the name for markers (sometimes).