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11 Names That Became Common English Words
Some people are so important or famous that their names become common words everyone understands! English has many words like these; some are from real people and others from fictional characters from books or films.
This article will introduce 11 that all English learners should know. Let's begin!
Famous Names That Became Common Words
Einstein
Albert Einstein was a physicist from Germany who became world famous because of his scientific theories.
Today, an "Einstein" is a genius or very intelligent person.
You should ask Ron. He's a real Einstein when it comes to programming.
Scrooge
Ebenezer Scrooge is the main character of the 1843 novel A Christmas Carol, written by Charles Dickens.
Scrooge begins the story as a cold-hearted businessman who only cares about money. That's why a "Scrooge" today is someone who isn't generous or friendly, especially during the Christmas season.
Ben used to be a real Scrooge, but he offered to pay for everyone's lunch today. He's really changed!
Grinch
The Grinch is the main character in Dr. Seuss' 1957 children's story How the Grinch Stole Christmas. He's a fuzzy green monster who hates Christmas so much that he takes all the toys and decorations away from a town called Whoville.
Grinches are similar to Scrooges, but there's one big difference: A Scrooge might be greedy, hate Christmas or both, but a Grinch simply hates Christmas — there is no connection to money.
Janet is such a Grinch. She never comes to any holiday parties.
Romeo
Shakespeare's famous tragedy Romeo & Juliet is about a couple who fall in love while their families are at war — and it shows how far people will go for love.
Today, a "Romeo" is a man who is in love and perhaps has lost control of himself because of it. It's often used sarcastically, as in the following example:
A
She's the girl of my dreams…
B
Calm down, Romeo. You've only been on one date with her!
This isn't the only way "Romeo" is used, however. Sometimes its meaning is similar to the next name on our list.
Don Juan
The fictional character Don Juan first appeared in written stories in the 1600s. He's famous for being a womanizer, or someone who has casual sexual relationships with many different women.
While "Romeo" sometimes refers to a playboy, that nuance is much stronger with "Don Juan."
Kerry's a bit of a Don Juan. He's with a different woman every time I see him.
Hercules
Hercules is a legendary character from Roman mythology, famous for his amazing strength. Just like some other names on this list, he's appeared in many books and films throughout the years.
Naturally, calling someone "Hercules" today means they're very strong.
I exercise only to keep healthy; I don't need big muscles like Hercules.
Want to practice with these words in a real chat?
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Sherlock Holmes
The brilliant detective Sherlock Holmes is the main character of a series of books by British author Arthur Conan Doyle.
Holmes is very good at noticing small details that most people miss. This skill helps him solve difficult and mysterious criminal cases around England.
Calling someone "Sherlock" today is like complimenting them on their cleverness or ability to quickly solve problems. But it's often said as a joke when someone does not seem very intelligent.
A
I think we're lost.
B
Great job, Sherlock. We've been lost for the last 30 minutes!
Houdini
Harry Houdini was a famous illusionist, a special kind of magician who tricks the eyes of the audience. In some of his most famous performances, he escaped from locked boxes and underwater containers while being tied with rope or handcuffs.
When we call someone "Houdini" today, it's because they too are good at escaping difficult situations or because they have disappeared suddenly — like magic!
Let's do a Houdini and get out of here before they see us!
Barbie
Barbie is an American fashion doll created by Ruth Handler and first released in 1959. Since then, she has become an icon and a favorite toy for generations of girls.
But although she has many fans, others criticize Barbie; they say she isn't intelligent and has an unrealistic body, which could be harmful to girls who compare themselves to her.
These negative points are what people refer to when they call someone a "Barbie." Typically, it's a woman who is beautiful but shallow.
People treat her like a Barbie, so she works extra hard to prove that she isn't.
Barbie's boyfriend Ken often receives the same criticisms as Barbie. So a Barbie and Ken couple are seen as "perfect" in a fake way.
Ugh, those two are like Barbie and Ken in their Instagram posts. I can't stand it.
Rambo
John Rambo is the main character in a series of action films that started in the 1980s. He is a tough, deadly soldier who can complete extremely dangerous missions by himself.
A strong, violent person might be called "Rambo," but you may also hear it used sarcastically, so listen carefully to understand the nuance.
Mark tries to act like he's Rambo, but he's not so tough.
Frankenstein
In Mary Shelley's 1818 novel Frankenstein, Dr. Victor Frankenstein builds a man from the parts of dead bodies. When his creation comes alive, it begins a horrible series of events that affect everyone around him.
Although the monster doesn't have a name in the story, it's often called "Frankenstein's monster" or simply "Frankenstein."
We use this name today in two different ways.
1. (noun) • a creation that becomes dangerous to its creator
Some people are worried that AI will become a Frankenstein's monster that we can't control.
2. (verb) • to make something from the parts of other things
I Frankenstein'd this radio out of some old equipment I found in my garage.
You may also hear "Franken-" as a prefix referring to something created from other things, as in the example below.
I had lots of different ingredients in my refrigerator, so I put them all into the pot and made a Franken-stew! Want to try it?
Wrap-up
Most people in English-speaking countries will know these names even if they don't know details about the people behind them.
For English learners, using them will add color to your conversations and make you sound much more like a native speaker, so be sure to give them a try!
