12/28/09

Brand-Aid


For some reason, I have a fascination with words- their use, their origins, their meanings. Anyone who really knows me will not be surprised by this revelation. My wonderful wife has put up with my quasi-philosophical observations for quite some time. She may have even found them endearing in the early years of our romance. Nearly ten years on, and she merely endures this particular quirk of mine.

The reason I'm bringing this up? It occurred to me (for some unbeknownst reason) earlier this evening that the brand most synonymous with a product (including other brands' versions) is Band-Aid. Kleenex is a close second, but I still hear people asking for a tissue. I do not, however, ever hear people asking for a small adhesive bandage. Other brand names that are nearly synonymous with a certain style of product include Xerox, Velcro, Teflon, Frisbee, Slinky...the list goes on.