Is there a term for brand names that evolve into generic use?

Asked by Pied_Pfeffer (28141

) September 11th, 2010

Brand names like Kleenex, Xerox, Band-Aid, and Hoover have become a generic term by the general population. I thought that there was a specific term for this, but haven’t been able to locate an answer on the internet.

Is there such a term? Metonymy seems to come close, but I don’t think that was it. If not, can you think of a good one? And do you have any examples of brand names gone generic?

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6 Answers

proprietary eponym

RareDenver (13173

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Thank you!

Pied_Pfeffer (28141

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I like “old hat” better.

john65pennington (29258

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Coke, Jello,

perspicacious (10982

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@perspicacious The fridge (Frigidaire™, Frisbee™, Google™ as a verb. It’s so sad to see this happen. Someone pass me a Kleenex™. I’m starting to tear up.

ETpro (34605

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Yep. The companies did not protect their trade names and trademarks. Today there is more awareness about it at the corporate level. Coke actually has been successful in recent years with suits against enterprises that serve a Pepsi products when the customer orders a “coke.” Today in the USA if you ask for a Coke and the restaurant only serves Pepsi products, you will be asked: “Is Pepsi OK?”

perspicacious (10982

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