Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

How to write about trademarks. Why we say 'thank you.'

Nov 26, 2024

Discover the fascinating world of trademarks and how brand names like 'Kleenex' can morph into everyday terms. Learn the nuances of capitalization and legal considerations to avoid pitfalls. Shift gears to explore the origins of 'thank' and 'thank you,' uncovering their evolution alongside cultural changes. Engage with the significance of gratitude in various cultures and enjoy a charming family story that illustrates the deep connections between language and tradition.

16:07

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Quick takeaways

Understanding trademark law is crucial for businesses to protect their brands from genericide and maintain their trademark rights.

The evolution of the word 'thank' highlights how language adapts to social changes, illustrating the universality of gratitude across cultures.

Deep dives

Trademark Evolution and Genericide

Genericide occurs when trademarked brand names become synonymous with the products they represent, turning into generic terms over time. This phenomenon makes it challenging for companies to protect their brands since it can lead to a loss of trademark rights. For example, popular terms like 'Xerox' and 'Google' highlight how brand names can morph into everyday verbs, diminishing their trademark status. The conversation also emphasizes the role of language and society in shaping how these terms are used and perceived, showcasing the tenuous balance between brand identity and common usage.

Intro

9min

The Evolving Landscape of Trademarks and Cultural Communication

3min

The Evolution of Gratitude: From 'Thank' to 'Thank You'

5min

The Language of Gratitude and Family Expressions

3min

1034. First, we look at how writers should use trademarked terms like "Kleenex" and "Google," including when to capitalize them and how to avoid legal pitfalls. Then, we look at the way the word "thank" evolved alongside changing social conventions — who got thanked and why, and how the word itself evolved.

The trademark segment was written by Natalie Schilling, a professor emerita of linguistics at Georgetown University in Washington, DC, who runs a forensic linguistics consulting firm. You can find her on LinkedIn.

The "thank you" segment was written by Valerie Fridland, a professor of linguistics at the University of Nevada in Reno and the author of "Like, Literally, Dude: Arguing for the Good in Bad English." You can find her at valeriefridland.com.

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