Learn when to capitalize words named after people and places.
In this tip, we’ll focus on capitalization, specifically in regards to eponyms. Though a good chunk of capitalization rules are standard across the board, every style guide and dictionary is slightly different. So, make sure to check your specific style guide and dictionary before implementing any capitalization rules. In this article, we reference the Chicago Manual of Style, 18th Edition and the Merriam-Webster Dictionary. These references are commonly used by print publishers for fiction and nonfiction books.
So, what is an eponym? An eponym is a word that is named after a person, people, or region. These words started out as proper nouns but over time, developed common-noun counterparts. (If you’re not familiar with the difference between proper nouns and common nouns, check out our tip “Capitalization: Proper vs. Common Nouns.”)
An example of an eponym is diesel. The term diesel is named after the German inventor and mechanical engineer Rudolf Diesel. Diesel in Rudolf Diesel is capitalized because it is part of a name, making it a proper noun. However, over time, its common-noun counterpart, diesel, emerged, as in diesel engine or filling up with diesel instead of gasoline.
Some eponyms are capitalized and some are not. If an eponym is used in a nonliteral sense, meaning we aren’t referencing the proper noun the eponym originates from, it is normally lowercase. Also, if an eponym becomes common usage, meaning the term is used often, it is normally lowercase. If you’re unsure whether an eponym is considered common usage, consult Merriam-Webster Dictionary or the reference guide associated with your project to see if the eponym should or shouldn’t be capitalized. It’s also good practice to familiarize yourself with the sections on eponyms that are found in your style guide or dictionary because you may be unaware that some of the words you use are eponyms!
Let’s look at more examples of eponyms:
While traveling in China, I added to my china tea set collection.
Note that the first instance of china is capitalized because it is a proper noun referencing a specific country. The second instance of china is referencing the dishware named after the region, making it an eponym. The eponym is not capitalized because it has entered common usage and is commonly used in place of porcelain.
Here’s another example:
Shelly learned how to use a Bunsen burner in her science class.
Bunsen burner is an eponym because it is named for its inventor, Robert Bunsen. Merriam-Webster and the Chicago Manual of Style both state that Bunsen should be capitalized, meaning Bunsen burner has not entered common usage.
There are a bunch of food and drink eponyms: (Note that some are capitalized and some aren’t.) Each of these eponyms are named for the region they originated from.
Bordeaux
Brie
brussels sprouts
buffalo wings
frankfurter
Italian dressing
Swiss cheese
There are also some eponyms that are capitalized in some instances and not capitalized in others.
For example, herculean, which according to Merriam-Webster means “of extraordinary power, extent, intensity, or difficulty,” is taken from the Roman hero Hercules, who performed incredible feats with his great strength. When the eponym is used as a literal reference to Hercules, it is capitalized. When it is not used literally, it is not capitalized.
The Herculean trait of strength is often seen in main characters.
Herculean is capitalized here because we are referencing Hercules the person and using the term in a literal sense.
Climbing Mount Everest will be a herculean feat.
Herculean isn’t capitalized here because we aren’t specifically referencing Hercules the person but the intensity and difficulty of climbing Mount Everest.
Eponyms associated with french also vary in capitalization. The difference again comes down to whether the word is being used in the literal sense (referencing the region) or not.
French dressing
french fries
French windows
Because french fries have little to do with France, they are not capitalized. On the other hand French dressing and French windows would be capitalized. Even though neither the dressing nor the windows necessarily originate from France, they are more closely referencing the region than french fries does.
Here are sentences for you to practice: (Remember to consult your reference guide.)
I wonder if the FRENCH put ketchup on their FRENCH fries.
I just ordered a purple OTTOMAN.
How do you know when to use a ROMAN or ITALIC typeface?
My nine-year-old is learning how to read ROMAN numerals on a clock.
Chancy sent postcards from MANILA in thick MANILA envelopes.
I’m thinking we should add VENETIAN blinds in the living room.
My art teacher recommended using INDIA ink for outlining my drawing.
I read an epic tale with stories that were HOMERIC in nature.
Here are the answers according to Chicago and Merriam-Webster:
I wonder if the French put ketchup on their french fries.
I just ordered a purple ottoman.
How do you know when to use a roman or italic typeface?
My nine-year-old is learning how to read Roman numerals on a clock.
Chancy sent postcards from Manila in thick manila envelopes.
I’m thinking we should add venetian blinds in the living room.
My art teacher recommended using india ink for outlining my drawing.
I read an epic tale with stories that were Homeric in nature.
Eponyms can be tricky when it comes to capitalization. But now that you’re aware of them, you can consult your style guide and dictionary to make sure you capitalize them the correct way for your project.
The Published Examples
“She immediately took a few steps to the side, hoping to avoid damage in case Adam decided to throw a petri dish at her.”
(Hazelwood, Ali. The Love Hypothesis. Penguin Publishing Group, 2021.)
Petri dish is an eponym named after its inventor, German bacteriologist Julius Richard Petri. Petri dish has entered common usage, so it is no longer necessary to capitalize, though it still can be.
“Allison wanted to shrug out of her cardigan but the goddess neckline of her dress didn’t seem appropriate for the somber setting.”
(Howe, Jenny L. The Make-Up Test. St. Martin's Publishing Group, 2022.)
Cardigan is an eponym named after the seventh Earl of Cardigan because his troops wore the garment to battle. This term is now in common usage and is not capitalized.
“The aspen next to it didn’t mention the voles, but had similar feelings about the woodpecker that was making Swiss cheese out of its trunk.”
(Lang, Ruth Emmie. The Wilderwomen. St. Martin's Publishing Group, 2022.)
Swiss cheese originated in Switzerland. Some style guides capitalize it and some don’t. In fact, the Chicago Manual of Style, 18th Edition recently changed its stance and now recommends capitalizing Swiss cheese.
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