Chris
I used to think I was pretty brand-agnostic until I realized I’ve been calling every lip balm “ChapStick” and every plastic container “Tupperware” my entire life. Turns out that a bunch of everyday products have been living rent-free in our brains under their brand names, even when we’re using the off-brand version from the dollar store.
It’s not just a tissue, it’s a Kleenex. Not a cotton swab; it’s a Q-tip. At this point, these brands aren’t just labels. They are the product (at least in our vocabularies).
Some of these are so deeply embedded in the way we talk that it honestly feels weird to use the correct term. Honestly, how strange would it be if someone said, “Does anyone have an adhesive bandage” when they cut their finger? No, you’re slapping on a Band-Aid and calling it a day.
So check out this list of some of those sneaky brand names we’ve been casually throwing around as if they’re the default (even though they pretty much are).
1. Kleenex
People use this to mean any facial tissue, even if the box says something like “SoftWipe Ultra Deluxe.”
2. Q-tips
Cotton swabs in general, especially when cleaning ears (even though the box says not to do that).
3. ChapStick
Used to refer to any lip balm, because saying “lip protectant” doesn’t have the same ring to it.
4. Velcro
Technically a brand, but everyone uses it to describe those magic strips that go ripppp when you take your shoes off.
5. Band-Aid
Used for any adhesive bandage, because “adhesive bandage” sounds like something from a first aid manual.
6. Vaseline
Technically a brand of petroleum jelly, but good luck convincing someone to ask for “generic petrolatum.”
7. Ziploc
Any resealable plastic bag is often called this, whether it’s name-brand or the “store brand that doesn’t quite zip right.”
8. Coke
In some parts of the U.S., especially the South, people call all soft drinks “Coke,” even if they’re ordering a Sprite.
9. Xerox
Some still say “Xerox it” instead of “photocopy it,” even when the machine isn’t even close to being a Xerox.
10. Post-it
The little sticky notes made by 3M, because “removable repositionable note paper” isn’t exactly catchy.
11. Jacuzzi
Still a brand name, even if you’re soaking in a no-name bubbling tub at an Airbnb.
12. Tupperware
Used for all types of food storage containers, from fancy glass ones to that old Cool Whip tub in the fridge.
13. Thermos
Used for insulated drink containers, even if it’s a Stanley or Hydro Flask. You’re still calling it a Thermos.
14. Popsicle
Any frozen treat on a stick, from cherry to mystery blue, even if it’s homemade in an ice cube tray.
15. Scotch Tape
Most people call any clear adhesive tape “Scotch tape,” even if it’s some off-brand that doesn’t stick as well.
16. Jet Ski
The go-to word for personal watercrafts, even if it’s technically a Sea-Doo or WaveRunner.
17. Dumpster
Technically a brand, but it’s the catch-all for big trash bins in alleys and behind restaurants.
18. Rollerblade
Used for all inline skates, because “inline skating” sounds way too formal for a weekend wipeout.
19. Frisbee
Any flying disc used for tossing at the park, beach, or accidentally into the neighbor’s yard. The Frisbee’s name originates from the Frisbie Pie Company, a defunct bakery in Connecticut. Students at nearby colleges, like Yale, used the company’s pie tins to throw and catch, and they began calling the activity “Frisbie”.
20. Sharpie
A catch-all for permanent markers, even when you’re using some knockoff that smells ten times stronger.
21. Crock-Pot
Any slow cooker, because “slow cooker beef stew” just doesn’t sound as homey without the brand name.
22. Onesies
Baby bodysuits, but Gerber owns the trademark. So technically, those off-brands are just “bodysuits with snaps.”
23. Google
As a verb, “just Google it” applies even if you’re typing it into Yahoo, Bing, or any other search engine.
24. Roomba
Used generically for any robotic vacuum, even the one that gets stuck under your couch five times a day.
25. Bubble Wrap
Technically a trademark, but you’re popping it regardless of what the label says.
26. Plexiglas
Used generically for any clear acrylic sheet, even if it’s not the OG Plexiglas brand.
27. Taser
All stun guns get lumped into this brand name, despite big differences in how they actually work.
28. Hula Hoop
Any plastic hoop for twirling around your waist gets called this, even if it’s from the dollar store.
29. Laundromat
Originally a Westinghouse brand name, now used for any coin-op laundry place.
30. Teflon
People refer to all non-stick pans as “Teflon-coated,” even if it’s a completely different surface.
31. Pampers
Many people say “Pampers” for all diapers, regardless of whether they’re Huggies, Luvs, or that random eco-friendly brand.
32. OnStar
Some drivers refer to any in-car emergency alert system as “OnStar,” even if their car doesn’t even have it.
33. Ping-Pong
Technically a trademark of Parker Brothers, but now just the go-to term for table tennis.
34. Wite-Out
Every correction fluid is casually called this, even if it comes from a knockoff pen.
35. Formica
Often used to describe any plastic laminate countertop, whether it’s actual Formica or not.
36. Jacquard
Fabric woven on a specific kind of loom, but the name gets tossed around for anything with a fancy woven pattern.
37. Breathalyzer
Used for any roadside alcohol tester, but it’s actually a brand owned by one company.
38. Yo-Yo
Once trademarked, but now generic after a legal ruling. So technically this one evolved into a generic term.
39. Escalator
Same as Yo-Yo. The term was once a brand but became generic after common usage overtook trademark protections.
40. Realtor
The word is trademarked by the National Association of Realtors, but people use it for all real estate agents, member or not.