Taking my love of
linguistics to the sublime
The proper way to refer to this universal fix-all actually
sparked an argument on Home Improvement between
Tim the Tool Man and his wife Jill. Unfortunately I can’t remember the outcome.
But here’s the surprising truth: “Duck Tape” is the more
historically accurate.
Olive drab, cloth-backed tape was developed by Johnson &
Johnson during WWII as a way to waterproof ammo cans. GIs called it “duck tape,”
as in water rolling off a duck’s back. 
After the war, however, it quickly found other uses - mainly,
sealing heating ducts. Johnson & Johnson obliged by turning it out in its
now most recognizable silver color. Thus
it became primarily known as “duct tape.”
So while “duck tape” refers to its original purpose, “duct
tape” more accurately describes its current use. But the product is still
evolving. In fact, it’s gone all crazy boutique on us. So what will we
eventually call this waterproof decorator tape? Designer Duck?
No comments:
Post a Comment