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People who became nouns

Have you ever wondered why the skin-tight one piece mostly seen on gymnasts is called a leotard? Or why a bathtub with massage jets is called a Jacuzzi? Then this slideshow from Slate is for you!

Jacuzzi is the name of the Italian immigrant brothers who first invented a particular type of hot tub. The name has now become synonymous with all hot tubs, much like Hoover for vacuum cleaner. Another example of this is the inventor of safety razors, King Camp Gillette.

And the inspiration behind leotard? Jules Leotard, a French acrobat who invented both the trapeze and the outfit to wear whilst on it.

See more people who became nouns at Slate.com and also at Life.com.