commonym

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.)

If Apple doesn't protect it's trademark, iPod will become a commonym for an MP3 player.

commonym by JohnGoodman January 22, 2009

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Commonymity

a state of anonymity on the internet due to having a common name

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.

Commonymity by curseofthederse December 31, 2009

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Related Words

commonym • Commonymity

Gayborhood

N. A neighborhood containing homes, clubs, bars, restaurants, and other places of business and entertainment that cater to homosexuals.

"They've opened up a new club in the Gayborhood called the Male Box."

Gayborhood by Mia Shields January 6, 2006

Word of the Day on July 14, 2026

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kenlet

A small piece of information. Derived from the word ken, used often in the scottish language and is synonymous with knowledge.

Person 1: "Hey I don't get this shit. How do you solve this problem?"
Person 2: "I got that one. Give me some kenlets on this assignment and I'll help you w/ that one."

kenlet by Norma Y. October 8, 2005

Word of the Day on July 13, 2026

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I mean I guess bro

a word of expression to when you give up on comprehending someone's words of ignorance, stupidity, absurdity or are too exhausted to formulate a proper response.

Commonly seen in TikTok comment sections in replies to lazy attempts at humor, overconfidentally incorrect statement, or an over-the-top comment or when someone completely misses the mark on something.

"actually... incorrect statement, hope this helps!"
"I mean I guess bro"

I mean I guess bro by clydedrewblood June 24, 2026

Word of the Day on July 12, 2026

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abandonware

n. software that is no longer sold or supported by the original publisher / developer, often found as free downloads on the internet because it cannot be obtained elsewhere. Not legal, but often seen as morally acceptable because the company that made it is no longer selling the title, nor releasing it as freeware, therefore abandonware is "keeping the game alive", so to speak.

Doom II is not abandonware because id still sells it, while The Incredible Machine is not sold, therefore is abandonware.

abandonware by Spoom October 24, 2003

Word of the Day on July 11, 2026

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Foot prisons

Socks. Annoying, sweat-causing, non-barefoot enducing, everyday socks.

The first thing I do when I take off my shoes, is rip off the foot prisons I had to wear inside them. That's why I prefer flip flops, even in winter!

Foot prisons by Jackalope Hunter December 13, 2022

Word of the Day on July 10, 2026

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