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.Originally Posted by [email protected]
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Thread: answer to Grammar term
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06-Jan-2003, 17:53 #1Anonymous Guest
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
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06-Jan-2003, 17:58 #2
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Re: answer to Grammar term
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06-Jan-2003, 19:13 #3
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Would that be the same for Hoover, meaning vacuum cleaner?
I'm not a teacher, so please consider any advice I give in that context.
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06-Jan-2003, 20:00 #4
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Yes. Also Jello for flavored gelatin, Crayola for crayons, etc. Originally Posted by Red5
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