Question for AV Forum Brain Boxes!

DVD-Man · 07-05-2008, 9:14 PM

Right folks, can anyone answer this question?

What is the term used when a term or item is replaced with the name of an item used for that, example:-

give me a coke in a pub, when you want cola

hoover the carpet when it's actually vacuum

I know there is a term or word for this but can't remember anymore but it's annoying me.

HELP!

Thanks

Liam

Astraeus · 07-05-2008, 9:26 PM

Something like "genericised trademarks" if I recall correctly. Or Genericide.

IAN P · 07-05-2008, 9:44 PM

Could it be a hypernym?

GaryB · 07-05-2008, 9:53 PM

According to Wikipedia, Genericised Trademark looks spot on.

andykn · 07-05-2008, 10:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GaryB

According to Wikipedia, Genericised Trademark looks spot on.

Which leads to the word that possibly I, and maybe the OP were struggling to find; eponym.

DVD-Man · 07-05-2008, 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Astraeus

Something like "genericised trademarks" if I recall correctly. Or Genericide.

Did you just know that or use the t'interweb?

However that is the word I was thinking about so thank you!

Liam

Astraeus · 08-05-2008, 7:58 AM

I studied English Language a few years ago, it was something we had as part of a module. Took me a moment to locate it in my notes (which I have conveniently accessible in the cupboard next to me).

DVD-Man · 08-05-2008, 11:38 AM

It's been buggin me for ages now but you solved it so it's all good, it's hard to search for in google.

Liam

Shamaniac · 08-05-2008, 6:31 PM

Very interesting, learned something.
Do people in the UK say "nutella" when they mean chocolate spread?

wormvortex · 08-05-2008, 6:51 PM

I certainly don't. But then I don't think I've ever used either in a conversation

DVD-Man · 08-05-2008, 7:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shamaniac

Very interesting, learned something.
Do people in the UK say "nutella" when they mean chocolate spread?

Where I come from one would maybe say "a piece (slice of bread) on nutella" so yeah I suppose some do.

The latest seems to be people saying I must/will google that.

Liam

wormvortex · 08-05-2008, 7:27 PM

I head the best thing on the train google related:

Guy A: I bet the word is spelt like this (can't remember the exact word)
Guy B: Trust me it's not
Guy A: Fine I'll google it when I get home and we'll see who's right
Guy B: I'll google you in a minute.

Made me