A trademarked term used to identify all products of the same type, such as the word "Kleenex" used to describe any facial tissue, or "Vaseline" as a term for a competing petroleum jelly. Other commonyms include, Band-Aid, ChapStick, Popsicle, and Q-tip.
Some former trademarks have become generic terms after a long life as commonyms, such as aspirin (formerly trademarked by Bayer) and escalator (a former trademark of the Otis Elevator Company.)
Some former trademarks have become generic terms after a long life as commonyms, such as aspirin (formerly trademarked by Bayer) and escalator (a former trademark of the Otis Elevator Company.)
by JohnGoodman January 22, 2009
a state of anonymity on the internet due to having a common name
a commonly occurring name which protects one’s privacy online
a commonly occurring name which protects one’s privacy online
A veil of commonymity protected Susan Adams from nosey employers trying to google her.
Paul Smith was hired by the software company even after their attempt to look him up on Facebook, thanks in part to his commonymity.
Paul Smith was hired by the software company even after their attempt to look him up on Facebook, thanks in part to his commonymity.
by curseofthederse December 31, 2009