Quote:
Originally Posted by DavGoodlin
I understand that in the UK, you "hoover up" the floor, rather than vacuum
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Yes, in the UK the brand name "Hoover" has come into general use, not only as a noun but also as a verb. And it's nothing to do with J Edgar
You see people referring to Dyson hoovers etc.
The Hoover company has effectively lost its brand name rights here.
It happens to other brands too. Scotch Tape (US) or Sellotape (UK); Kleenex (mainly US); Durex (different usages in US and UK but this is a family friendly forum) and probably many more.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Generic_trademark