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Everyday words that are actually brand names

Household names people use as generic terms
Kerosene
Linoleum
Ping pong
Tarmac
Escalator
Aspirin
Pogo stick
Jungle gym
Pilates
Dry ice
Catseyes
Trampoline
Mah-jongg
Fibreglass/Fiberglass
Velcro
Biro
Ouija Board
Teleprompter
Autocue
Breathalyzer
TV Dinner
Bubble Wrap
Frisbee
Hula Hoop
Super Glue
Boogie Board
Thermos
Jiffy Bag
Yo-yo
Lava Lamp
AstroTurf
Jet Ski
Rollerblade
Zimmer Frame
Hoover
Mace
Taser
Band-Aid
Stetson
Jacuzzi
Wite-out
Kleenex
Q-Tips
Muzak
Sellotape
Scotch Tape
Post-it note
Laundromat
Memory Stick
Xerox
Photoshop
Onesie
Flip Phone
Realtor
Popsicle
Cellophane
App store
Champagne
Hovercraft
Google
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Gabriel Olsen/Getty

Household names people use as generic terms

Making a brand so popular it becomes a generic term is every marketing person's dream, but can also become a nightmare. "Genericisation" is the ultimate marketing accolade, a sign that a household name has universal appeal and is the go-to in its field, but it can also lead to the dreaded "genericide", when a brand loses identity and distinctiveness, not to mention its trademark. Click or scroll through 60 brand names that, for better or worse, have ended up as generic terms.

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Daniel Coughlin

11 September 2020

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