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AIBU?

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Original poster

I like the way people still say Tupperware even though its probably not Tupperware they're using

156 replies

soupyspoon · 10/08/2025 14:37

And I do it too.

(and Im old enough to remember actual Tupperware)

OP posts:
hockeysticks89 · 10/08/2025 21:38

Great marketing campaigns! I offer up ‘jacuzzi’

Daffodilsarefading · 10/08/2025 21:33

We say both Tupperware and plastic tub, none of it is actual Tupperware. I say Hoover when in fact it’s a Shark. I now ask for Pepsi Max but used to always say Coke for any brand.
I don’t even know the product name for Blu Tak.
I say Sellotape.
Another one is Guinness, that is the brand. Like asking for a Carling but meaning larger.

Createausername1970 · 10/08/2025 21:28

dunroamingfornow · 10/08/2025 19:46

It took me years to realise that’s what Blue Peter meant by “ sticky backed plastic “ 😂

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I don't think they meant sellotape did they? Sticky backed plastic is a thing in its own right. I covered a bathroom unit in some clear sticky backed plastic a few years ago. It came on a roll, like cling film but there was a layer I had to peel off to expose the sticky back.

isthismylifenow · 10/08/2025 21:24

It happens a lot where I live, the main brand is what the items is called.

It doesn't matter what toothpaste you have, it's all Colgate. Sensodyne Colgate, maybe even Aquafresh Colgate.

Same with fizzy drinks. It's all Coke. This would be a totally normal conversation when, for eg we order a pizza:
would you like a Coke with that?
Yes please.
Okay what flavour?
Fanta please.
OK shap (which means OK sorted)

And any dishwashing liquid is called Sunlight.

Doingtheboxerbeat · 10/08/2025 21:23

I'm sure someone else has mentioned jacuzzi rather than hot tub.

PurpleChrayn · 10/08/2025 21:18

LadyMonicaBaddingham · 10/08/2025 14:47

My parents still have, and use, real Tupperware that is older than me and still in tiptop condition! It was the real deal.

That stuff would survive a nuclear war, I’m certain of it.

Original poster
soupyspoon · 10/08/2025 21:07

suburburban · 10/08/2025 17:30

Mil says sweep for vacuuming which sounds archaic. Sweep is using a broom not a vacuum cleaner.

I must admit I say hoover

Is she thinking of a carpet sweeper?

OP posts:
Original poster
soupyspoon · 10/08/2025 21:02

tilypu · 10/08/2025 15:27

The word 'a' comes in very useful here.

I would store something in 'a' tub. Or similarly, marinate someone in 'a' tub.

I guess if people wanted to, they could bring 'some tubs' or 'a tub' but I don't think I've ever said that to anyone.

And yes, I have heard people say 'a tupperware'.

But I don't see the point in using three syllables, when one will do (and it's also more accurate, as none of my tubs are actually Tupperware).

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Ok, I like that you're careful about your syllable use.

I have a tendency to use pot. I mean 'a pot'. I do not smoke 'pot'.

OP posts:
dunroamingfornow · 10/08/2025 19:46

NellyTimes · 10/08/2025 15:13

Same with sellotape.

It took me years to realise that’s what Blue Peter meant by “ sticky backed plastic “ 😂

Liliwen · 10/08/2025 18:42

Snorlaxo · 10/08/2025 14:37

I use the verb hoover when I own a Dyson.

Same! My Nana used to correct me every time and say ‘you vacuumed’ 😆 I have a shark not a Hoover but still use hoover as a verb

deeahgwitch · 10/08/2025 18:37

I Hoover
I pritt ( stick something)
and I use Tupperware

Crucible · 10/08/2025 18:36

MagpiePi · 10/08/2025 16:57

I’d much rather Spangle than hoover.

Did Mr Spangle also invent the 1970s boiled sweets?

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Sounds a lot more fun to spangle I agree. No relation to the name of the sweets (very happy to be corrected on that though)

CalzoneOnLegs · 10/08/2025 18:35

I only ever use glass containers now for storing/heating as the plastic ones soon get manky and they always have that weird smell that only reused plastic has.

CalzoneOnLegs · 10/08/2025 18:33

hoovering is so entrenched now it even applies to eating !

CalzoneOnLegs · 10/08/2025 18:32

DenizenOfAisleOfShame · 10/08/2025 16:07

Biro was trademarked. Whether it’s lost protection through general use I don’t know.

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I never knew that ! ✍️

KnickerlessParsons · 10/08/2025 18:32

Blu tack is another one.

IKnowAristotle · 10/08/2025 18:27

I did not know bubble wrap was a brand name. Mind blown 🤯

myplace · 10/08/2025 18:20

I’m still using actual Tupperware. Must be 30 years old. Mainly given by my sister for bday and Christmas gifts, as she was a rep!

x2boys · 10/08/2025 18:19

I remember when Duvets were a new thing
My mum got us all " continental quilts"
They were a revelation.

VintageMarket · 10/08/2025 17:34

We reuse the tubs from our lovely local Chinese takeaway so they're called Mr Chim's Boxes in our house.

KiwiFall · 10/08/2025 17:30

Yep I say Tupperware. I get told off by my son but in all honesty a lot of ours is the originally Tupperware!

suburburban · 10/08/2025 17:30

Mil says sweep for vacuuming which sounds archaic. Sweep is using a broom not a vacuum cleaner.

I must admit I say hoover

FeralWoman · 10/08/2025 17:29

OnlyMabelInTheBuilding · 10/08/2025 15:27

I have a Tupperware dealer too. It’s the local Chinese. I order a massive order when I’m needing a Tupperware top up. Delish.

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Nope. That’s cheap disposable takeaway containers. You can buy them from the Aldi special buys every few months or from the grocery shop.

@PestoHoliday ”Didn't crack, buckle, melt, leak, split or warp.” Not true. It definitely split and cracked, it did melt, and it needed care when microwaving. The best part was the lifetime replacement guarantee so that when it did split you could get it replaced for free. It would probably be a different colour but it would be replaced. We had many many lids replaced over the years. If you were microwaving something in the special microwave Tupperware you had to avoid tomato based products or else you’d stain it permanently.

CrushingOnRubies · 10/08/2025 17:27

Does anyone else find it really jarring when the bbc have to say the proper term for an item like vacuum or sticky tape or whatever. Instead of Hoover and sellotape??? Especially on cooking shows when they really want to say cling film.

GertrudePerkinsPaperyThing · 10/08/2025 17:25

I approve of “Tupperware” used generically too, and also Hoover and Calpol.

But I think there has to be some gate keeping on this, because some companies try to make their brand name generic when it’s not. I’m looking at Sarson’s vinegar in particular here, but there are others!