[Magdalen] Like I Was Puzzled.

[Roger Stokes]

On 04/12/2014 23:38, Don Boyd wrote:
> I've heard "Coke" used to mean "any soft drink" rather than the brand 
> Coca-Cola.  Likewise "Frigidaire" for any household refrigerator, and 
> "Hoover" for any vacuum cleaner.  ("Hoover" is also used as a verb, 
> e.g. "I have to hoover the living room.")

Over here Coke is the generic for cola, hence the question in many bars 
after you order a cola "It's Pepsi, is that OK?".  If I want cola then I 
ask for cola without using the brand name.  As for suction cleaners 
(they create a partial but not a total vacuum) I agree that you may 
hoover with an Electrolux or whatever. The penalties of being first in 
the market - your brand name becomes a generic descriptor.

Roger