Learning English Vocabulary
Eponyms as nouns and verbs
Mar 11, 2024
Exploring the evolution of brand names like Google and Facebook into eponyms and verbs in everyday language use. Distinguishing between trademarked brand names and their generalization as eponyms, with examples like Google and Xerox. Includes a quiz section and tips for identifying eponyms in dictionaries.
06:11
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Quick takeaways
- Eponyms like Hoover and Google show how brand names become common vocabulary and verbs.
- Trademark names like Facebook and Google lose capitalization when used as verbs or nouns, influencing language usage.
Deep dives
Eponyms: Words Derived from Brand Names
Words like Hoover, Xerox, Google, Facebook, and Skype originated as brand names but have transitioned into common vocabulary and even verbs. For instance, Hoover, once a prominent vacuum cleaner brand, is now used as a generic term for vacuuming. Similarly, Google has become synonymous with online searches, leading to the verb 'to Google'. This evolution from brand name to everyday language usage showcases how eponyms shape our speech.
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