On 12/18/06 09:14 am Doug Miller wrote:

Brits have a tendency to use a 'specific' brand name-item for the generic;
thus we 'hoover' the carpet - even using a Dyson.

Happens here, too. The most prominent examples I can think of a
- Facial tissues (for blowing one's nose, or wiping one's eyeglasses).
Everyone here calls them Kleenex. Nobody ever asks for a "facial tissue".
- Photocopiers. Most commonly referred to as Xerox machines, even if made by
Canon, Rico, etc.
- Carbonated cola beverage. Usually called a Coke. Even if it's a Pepsi.

The last of these is regional: in some parts of the USA they are all
"coke," in others all "soda," and in yet others all "pop."

Perce