Some brand names Nigerians have wrongly used as generic names.

It is important to identify the distinction between a general/generic name and a specific/brand name, especially as pertaining commercial names. This will save one a lot of embarrassment.

However in Nigeria, it is rather funny and interesting, how some brand names have been wrongly generalized. This must be attributed to the trade advantage of these brands having been pioneers in Nigeria. From toiletries, to provision, to cooking ingredients, some brands have gained popularity as a result of ignorant use of language.

A brand can be defined as a name used to identify a commercial product or service which may or may not be registered as a trademark. Generic on the other hand, pertains to large classes or groups as opposed to specific. It also means in simple terms, not having a brand name. Examples of generic names (for the purpose of this article) are: detergent, seasoning, noodles etc. while brand names include INDOMIE, OMO, MAGGI, and so on. A vital clue to distinguishing between these two is, while most brand names may not be English names, generic names from part of the language.

In Nigeria, some of the above listed examples among others, are really mixed up. Thus;
MAGGI: this is a brand that has replaced the generic name as a seasoning. It's funny how a buyer approaches a seller demanding, "Give me MAGGI" only to be given, and they surprisingly say again, "No be this one. Na ROYCO!" Well, it's not strange. You must know that MAGGI is a brand, as there are many other brands of seasoning-Knorr, Mr. Chef, etc. So, when next you want to make of seasoning other than MAGGI, you should specifically demand for it.

OMO: what name this brand has made. Every detergent in Nigeria today has been swallowed by it. You can imagine how a buyer confidently walks into a shop demanding for OMO, only to return it when given, asking for "the other one-Ariel, Klin, Sunlight..." You should correct that mistake today. It's detergent. Not OMO.

INDOMIE: this is where big trouble lies. Many people don't even know there exists such name as 'noodles'. All they know is INDOMIE. Every brand of noodles in the market today is given this name. However, there are others like Chiki-Chiki, Dangote, Cherry, etc. If you in this category of people, please change.

MORNING FRESH and VOOM: Morning Fresh is only a trade name for this particular LIQUID SOAP, just as VOOM is for SCOURING POWDER. Moreover, MORNING FRESH also produces scouring powder. Another example of liquid soap brand is MAMA LEMON. Therefore, be educated today. Educate others too.

There are many other uncountable brands/trade names that have gained popularity in Nigeria, as a result of inappropriate usage. Just imagine yourself in another country, like England, asking for 'KNORR MAGGI" What a blunder! Save yourself, and your country the embarrassment. You have gotten the knowledge, share it with others.

Feel free to educate us in the comment box about other wrongly generalized brand names you know that are not mentioned here.

Ayua Jude Terna
Facebook-Jude Ayua
judeayua@yahoo.com