Database of American Proprietary Eponyms

An eponym is a general term used to describe from what or whom something derived its name. Therefore, a proprietary eponym could be considered a brand name (trademark or service mark) which has fallen into general use.

Back in elementary school, I remember a lesson in which the teacher pointed out how corporate brands and products were used in everyday life. The lesson was primarily focused on the mangling of spellings, such as donuts instead doughnuts (courtesy of Dunkin’ Donuts) or drive-thru instead of drive-through (take your pick on who started that one…).

The above linked website focuses on words that have penetrated our everyday vocabulary but are actually a trademarked/copyrighted brand or product name.

The ones that are frequently in my vocab are: Google, Frisbee, Coke, Kleenex, Band Aid, Wite-Out, Post-It, Chap Stick

Which eponyms do you find yourself using the most?