# How many genericized trademarks do you currently use (read the OP) **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [October 9, 2026, 10:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-genericized-trademarks-do-you-currently-use-read-the-op/1033692 "2026-10-09T10:24:43Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 8\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![a6ka97](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/c2a13f/32.png) [@a6ka97](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/a6ka97)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2026, 6:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-genericized-trademarks-do-you-currently-use-read-the-op/1033692/61 "2026-10-12T18:58:30Z")
Owners/sellers of older cars (1960s-80s) if they have a limited differential will say it has a “posi” rear end which is short for “Positraction” the name of Chevrolet’s LSD. Even though in a Ford it is a “Traction-Loc”, Chrysler/Dodge/Plymouth used “Sure-Grip”, Pontiac’s has the “Safe-T-Track” and AMC called it a “Twin Grip”. Just this past weekend at a car show I overheard a guy bragging about his Dodge with a “posi” rear end. Unless he swapped it out it, probably has a Sure-Grip differential. ---
**Author:** ![Hari\_Seldon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hari_seldon/32/5173_2.png) [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2026, 12:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-genericized-trademarks-do-you-currently-use-read-the-op/1033692/62 "2026-10-13T00:50:31Z")
Van de Waerden’s Algebra, at least the English translation. ---
**Author:** ![needscoffee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/needscoffee/32/1076_2.png) [@needscoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/needscoffee)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2026, 2:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-genericized-trademarks-do-you-currently-use-read-the-op/1033692/63 "2026-10-14T02:27:09Z")
Does fiberglas count? ---
**Author:** ![fedman1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e495f1/32.png) [@fedman1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fedman1)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2026, 9:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-genericized-trademarks-do-you-currently-use-read-the-op/1033692/64 "2026-10-20T21:35:23Z")
xerox for any copier ---
**Author:** ![Gatopescado](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gatopescado/32/5711_2.png) [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2026, 6:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-genericized-trademarks-do-you-currently-use-read-the-op/1033692/65 "2026-10-21T06:42:44Z")
> [@EinsteinsHund](#): > > I’ve always have and still call any portable cassette player a Walkman, though that’s the trademark by Sony who invented it. Excuse Me while I whip this out… [The First Portable Music Player](https://tahoequarterly.com/looking-back/grooving-on-the-go) ---
**Author:** ![eburacum45](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eburacum45/32/8690_2.png) [@eburacum45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eburacum45)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2026, 10:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-genericized-trademarks-do-you-currently-use-read-the-op/1033692/66 "2026-10-21T10:13:48Z")
The use of the slang term Crapper may, or may nor, be influenced by the work of this gentleman. [![](https://driehausmuseum.org/images/uploads/blog/11111.jpg) ](https://driehausmuseum.org/images/uploads/blog/11111.jpg) But this factoid is also the subject of some debate; here, for instance. > [@Historical myths DEBUNKED!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/historical-myths-debunked/1022251/79): > > I think most Dopers likely already know this, but… Yes, [Thomas Crapper](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Crapper) was a real plumber in Victorian London. No, he was not the inventor of the flush toilet as many lists of “fun facts” have claimed. At most, he held a few patents related to improvements to the toilet. ---
**Author:** ![eburacum45](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eburacum45/32/8690_2.png) [@eburacum45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eburacum45)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2026, 10:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-genericized-trademarks-do-you-currently-use-read-the-op/1033692/67 "2026-10-21T10:15:49Z")
And yes, the trademark is still active. ---
**Author:** ![DPRK](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/4491bb/32.png) [@DPRK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DPRK)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2026, 10:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-genericized-trademarks-do-you-currently-use-read-the-op/1033692/68 "2026-10-21T10:56:31Z")
> **[Portables: A Visual & Historical Exploration of 222 Vintage Portable Turntables](https://dustandgrooves.com/portables-book/)** > > Portables showcases 222 vintage portable turntables through stunning photography and stories. A must-have for vinyl lovers, design enthusiasts, and collectors. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-genericized-trademarks-do-you-currently-use-read-the-op/1033692.md?page=3)