Eponyms in English

One of the things I love most about languages is that they are constantly changing. Languages are meant to evolve (change, grow) and one of the ways it happens is through eponyms. Eponyms are words that come from a proper name or place. They can also be from different brands of items that are used so much, that they can refer to anything of the same kind.

Here are some examples of eponyms in English that we use all the time. What are some eponyms in your native language?

Macgyver

To Macgyver something is one of the frequently used eponyms in English. Macgyver was a TV show, where the main character could build and fix almost anything using random objects. He would use these things to save the world. Now, if you Macgyver something, you build or fix something in a creative way, or using unexpected objects.

For example:

• My toilet broke over the weekend, and the store was out of the part I needed, so I had to Macgyver a fix until the part is back in stock.
• John is very handy. He’s able to fix anything at all, even if he has to Macgyver it sometimes.

America

Did you know that the name of the country, as well as the continents North America and South America, are actually eponyms? The United States of America and the two continents are eponyms, coming from the name Amerigo Vespucci, an Italian mapmaker. 

For example:

• My family is going to travel through South America this winter. We’re going to Peru, Chile, and Argentina.
• Lenore has always wanted to go to America. She wants to visit the locations of her favorite TV shows in New York City. This year, she finally has the chance to go!

Kleenex

Kleenex is an eponym that comes from a brand. Kleenex is a specific brand of tissue, but in the U.S., we use the word Kleenex to refer to any tissue. It doesn’t have to be from that exact maker. 

For example:

• Can you pass me a Kleenex, please? I need to blow my nose.
• We’re out of Kleenex. Can you get some when you’re at the store later?

Cardigan

I love wearing cardigans. They’re one of my favorite kind of sweaters. A cardigan is a type of sweater that looks like a jacket, and may have buttons or a zipper to close it. Cardigans are named for the 7th Earl of Cardigan, who used to wear this garment (clothing) when leading his troops into battle.

For example:

• Josie loves to knit, and her favorite thing to knit are cardigans. She enjoys the process, and likes to give them as gifts!
• I like to wear cardigans because they’re easy to take on and off. That way if I get too hot or too cold, they’re easy to wear.

Did any of these eponyms surprise you? Do you use any of these eponyms in your native language? Share with us in the comments below!