{"id":6308,"date":"2026-02-25T01:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-02-25T01:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/engoo.com\/blog\/?p=6308"},"modified":"2026-02-25T01:00:08","modified_gmt":"2026-02-25T01:00:08","slug":"from-barbie-to-einstein-names-that-became-common-english-words","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/engoo.com\/blog\/language-tips\/from-barbie-to-einstein-names-that-became-common-english-words\/","title":{"rendered":"11 Names That Became Common English Words"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_80 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/engoo.com\/blog\/language-tips\/from-barbie-to-einstein-names-that-became-common-english-words\/#Famous_Names_That_Became_Common_Words\" >Famous Names That Became Common Words<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/engoo.com\/blog\/language-tips\/from-barbie-to-einstein-names-that-became-common-english-words\/#Einstein\" >Einstein<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/engoo.com\/blog\/language-tips\/from-barbie-to-einstein-names-that-became-common-english-words\/#Scrooge\" >Scrooge<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/engoo.com\/blog\/language-tips\/from-barbie-to-einstein-names-that-became-common-english-words\/#Grinch\" >Grinch<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/engoo.com\/blog\/language-tips\/from-barbie-to-einstein-names-that-became-common-english-words\/#Romeo\" >Romeo<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/engoo.com\/blog\/language-tips\/from-barbie-to-einstein-names-that-became-common-english-words\/#Don_Juan\" >Don Juan<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/engoo.com\/blog\/language-tips\/from-barbie-to-einstein-names-that-became-common-english-words\/#Hercules\" >Hercules<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/engoo.com\/blog\/language-tips\/from-barbie-to-einstein-names-that-became-common-english-words\/#Sherlock_Holmes\" >Sherlock Holmes<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/engoo.com\/blog\/language-tips\/from-barbie-to-einstein-names-that-became-common-english-words\/#Houdini\" >Houdini<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/engoo.com\/blog\/language-tips\/from-barbie-to-einstein-names-that-became-common-english-words\/#Barbie\" >Barbie<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/engoo.com\/blog\/language-tips\/from-barbie-to-einstein-names-that-became-common-english-words\/#Rambo\" >Rambo<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/engoo.com\/blog\/language-tips\/from-barbie-to-einstein-names-that-became-common-english-words\/#Frankenstein\" >Frankenstein<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/engoo.com\/blog\/language-tips\/from-barbie-to-einstein-names-that-became-common-english-words\/#Wrap-up\" >Wrap-up<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p>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.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This article will introduce 11 that all English learners should know. Let's begin!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Famous_Names_That_Became_Common_Words\"><\/span><strong>Famous Names That Became Common Words<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Einstein\"><\/span><strong>Einstein<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/05\/29162803\/famous_english_names_1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"A colorful mural of Albert Einstein on a wall\" class=\"wp-image-12722\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/05\/29162803\/famous_english_names_1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/05\/29162803\/famous_english_names_1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/05\/29162803\/famous_english_names_1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/05\/29162803\/famous_english_names_1-420x280.jpg 420w, https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/05\/29162803\/famous_english_names_1-840x560.jpg 840w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Albert Einstein was a physicist from Germany who became world famous because of his scientific theories.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Today, an \"Einstein\" is a genius or very intelligent person.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>You should ask Ron. He's a real <strong>Einstein<\/strong> when it comes to programming.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Scrooge\"><\/span><strong>Scrooge<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Ebenezer Scrooge is the main character of the 1843 novel <em>A Christmas Carol<\/em>, written by Charles Dickens.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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 <a href=\"https:\/\/engoo.com\/blog\/travel-fun\/daily-news-christmas\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Christmas season<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Ben used to be a real <strong>Scrooge<\/strong>, but he offered to pay for everyone's lunch today. He's really changed!<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Grinch\"><\/span><strong>Grinch<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/05\/29163114\/common_words_names_2-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12723\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/05\/29163114\/common_words_names_2-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/05\/29163114\/common_words_names_2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/05\/29163114\/common_words_names_2-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/05\/29163114\/common_words_names_2-420x280.jpg 420w, https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/05\/29163114\/common_words_names_2-840x560.jpg 840w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The Grinch is the main character in Dr. Seuss' 1957 children's story <em>How the Grinch Stole Christmas<\/em>. 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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 \u2014&nbsp;there is no connection to money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Janet is such a <strong>Grinch<\/strong>. She never comes to any holiday parties.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Romeo\"><\/span><strong>Romeo<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/engoo.com\/blog\/travel-fun\/shakespeares-influence-on-the-english-language\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Shakespeare's<\/a> famous tragedy <em>Romeo &amp; Juliet<\/em> is about a couple who fall in love while their families are at war \u2014 and it shows how far people will go for love.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Today, a \"Romeo\" is a man who is in love and perhaps has lost control of himself because of it.&nbsp;It's often used sarcastically, as in the following example:<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"unified-block unified-chat-bubble pos-left\"><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-user\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/02\/22141544\/avatar_5.png\" class=\"unified-chat-bubble-avatar\" width=\"50\" height=\"50\"><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-name\">A<\/div><\/div><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-content\"><div class=\"block-align-none\">She's the girl of my dreams\u2026<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"unified-block unified-chat-bubble pos-right\"><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-user\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/02\/22141737\/avatar_28.png\" class=\"unified-chat-bubble-avatar\" width=\"50\" height=\"50\"><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-name\">B<\/div><\/div><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-content\"><div class=\"block-align-none\">Calm down, <strong>Romeo<\/strong>. You've only been on one date with her!<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p>This isn't the only way \"Romeo\" is used, however. Sometimes its meaning is similar to the next name on our list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Don_Juan\"><\/span><strong>Don Juan<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While \"Romeo\" sometimes refers to a playboy, that nuance is much stronger with \"Don Juan.\" <\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Kerry's a bit of a <strong>Don Juan<\/strong>. He's with a different woman every time I see him.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Hercules\"><\/span><strong>Hercules<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"597\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/05\/29163443\/common_words_names_3-1024x597.jpg\" alt=\"A statue of Hercules\" class=\"wp-image-12724\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/05\/29163443\/common_words_names_3-1024x597.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/05\/29163443\/common_words_names_3-300x175.jpg 300w, https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/05\/29163443\/common_words_names_3-768x448.jpg 768w, https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/05\/29163443\/common_words_names_3-1200x700.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>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.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Naturally, calling someone \"Hercules\" today means they're very strong. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>I exercise only to keep healthy; I don't need big muscles like <strong>Hercules<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n<div class=\"unified-block engoo-box\"><div class=\"engoo-box-title\">Want to practice with these words in a real chat?<\/div><div class=\"engoo-box-content block-align-none\">Book a lesson on <a href=\"https:\/\/engoo.com\/\"><strong>Engoo<\/strong><\/a>! Engoo has thousands of tutors ready to help you improve your English 24 hours a day. <\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Sherlock_Holmes\"><\/span><strong>Sherlock Holmes<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The brilliant detective Sherlock Holmes is the main character of a series of books by British author Arthur Conan Doyle.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Holmes is very good at noticing small details that most people miss. This skill helps him solve difficult and mysterious criminal cases around England.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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 <em>not<\/em> seem very intelligent.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"unified-block unified-chat-bubble pos-left\"><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-user\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/02\/22141859\/avatar_40.png\" class=\"unified-chat-bubble-avatar\" width=\"50\" height=\"50\"><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-name\">A<\/div><\/div><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-content\"><div class=\"block-align-none\">I think we're lost.<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"unified-block unified-chat-bubble pos-right\"><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-user\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/02\/22141554\/avatar_8.png\" class=\"unified-chat-bubble-avatar\" width=\"50\" height=\"50\"><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-name\">B<\/div><\/div><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-content\"><div class=\"block-align-none\">Great job, <strong>Sherlock<\/strong>. We've been lost for the last 30 minutes!<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Houdini\"><\/span><strong>Houdini<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When we call someone \"Houdini\" today, it's because they too are good at escaping difficult situations or because they have disappeared suddenly \u2014 like magic!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Let's do a <strong>Houdini<\/strong> and get out of here before they see us!<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Barbie\"><\/span><strong>Barbie<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/05\/29165139\/common_words_names_4-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"A Barbie doll in a pink dress\" class=\"wp-image-12725\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/05\/29165139\/common_words_names_4-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/05\/29165139\/common_words_names_4-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/05\/29165139\/common_words_names_4-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/05\/29165139\/common_words_names_4-420x280.jpg 420w, https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/05\/29165139\/common_words_names_4-840x560.jpg 840w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These negative points are what people refer to when they call someone a \"Barbie.\" Typically, it's a woman who is beautiful but <a href=\"https:\/\/engoo.com\/app\/words\/word\/shallow\/RmubDpOLQGysnl8LtuQ6iA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">shallow<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>People treat her like a <strong>Barbie<\/strong>, so she works extra hard to prove that she isn't.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Ugh, those two are like <strong>Barbie and Ken<\/strong> in their Instagram posts. I can't stand it.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Rambo\"><\/span><strong>Rambo<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A strong, violent person might be called \"Rambo,\" but you may also hear it used sarcastically, so listen carefully to understand the nuance.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Mark tries to act like he's <strong>Rambo<\/strong>, but he's not so tough.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frankenstein\"><\/span><strong>Frankenstein<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In Mary Shelley's 1818 novel <em>Frankenstein<\/em>, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Although the monster doesn't have a name in the story, it's often called \"Frankenstein's monster\" or simply \"Frankenstein.\"&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We use this name today in two different ways.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>1. (noun) \u2022 a creation that becomes dangerous to its creator<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Some people are worried that <a href=\"https:\/\/engoo.com\/app\/daily-news\/article\/big-issues-with-ai-news-content-says-study\/fo1MtLRCEfCgDJsSufvg2A\">AI<\/a> will become a <strong>Frankenstein's monster<\/strong> that we can't control.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>2. (verb) \u2022 to make something from the parts of other things<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>I <strong>Frankenstein'd<\/strong> this radio out of some old equipment I found in my garage.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>You may also hear \"Franken-\" as a prefix referring to something created from other things, as in the example below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>I had lots of different ingredients in my refrigerator, so I put them all into the pot and made a <strong>Franken-stew<\/strong>! Want to try it?<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Wrap-up\"><\/span><strong>Wrap-up<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Most people in English-speaking countries will know these names even if they don't know details about the people behind them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Some people are so important or famous that their names become common words everyone understands! 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