Xeroz, popsicle ...etc What is the term?

Ducklet Cat · #1 (**permalink**) 29-Dec-2005, 08:30

When we say he is Xeroxing something = he is photocopying something

And we know that Popsicle is a brand but now it's use to refer to any frozen "sorbet."

And in my country we use "Tide", "Fairy", and "Kleenex" and replacements for detergent power, dish liquid, and napkins respectively.

What is the name of this process?
I remember that the term ended with -nym (liek antonym and homonym), but I can't recall the term.

Any help?
Thanks :)

Red5 · #2 (**permalink**) 29-Dec-2005, 08:52

The term you are thinking of is synonym, but words like Xerox are not synonyms as far as I know. These words are more like generic names or common nouns.

Many people seem to suggest that the term brand eponym or proprietary eponym is appropriate.

See also:

Ducklet Cat · #3 (**permalink**) 29-Dec-2005, 13:02

Hi,
Not synomyms is not what I meant.
I guess it is eponyms as you said.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genericized_trademark

Anyway, I'm writing a topic about -nym words soon.
Thanks a lot for the help.

Red5 · #4 (**permalink**) 29-Dec-2005, 14:15

Glad to help.

Ducklet Cat · #5 (**permalink**) 08-Jan-2006, 20:10

Here is it:
http://www.geocities.com/ducklet_cat/nyms.htm
:)

Tdol · #6 (**permalink**) 09-Jan-2006, 04:52

Good list. Have you seen this one: http://www.fun-with-words.com/nym_words.html


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