answer to Grammar term

Please does anyone know the word for a common term like Kleenex, when it becomes the word to use for tissue, or Q-tip for cotton swab. etc. Thanks Ellen

[MikeNewYork]

Originally Posted by EMAIL REMOVED - Send PM to This User Instead

Please does anyone know the word for a common term like Kleenex, when it becomes the word to use for tissue, or Q-tip for cotton swab. etc. Thanks Ellen

This is a very common question, but it doesn't seem to have a answer that is satisfactory for all. There is a group that prefers "generic" for this. However, the generic name for Kleenex" is facial tissue. I think that generic is wrong and confusing. I prefer the term "brand eponym". We have to use "brand" because "eponym", as defined, refers to humans. The term "brand eponym" means that generic facila tissue is called "Kleenex" after the most famous brand of facial tissue.

[Red5]

Would that be the same for Hoover, meaning vacuum cleaner?

[MikeNewYork]

Originally Posted by Red5

Would that be the same for Hoover, meaning vacuum cleaner?

Yes. Also Jello for flavored gelatin, Crayola for crayons, etc.