Have you ever wondered how certain everyday objects got their names? It turns out that many of the things we use regularly are named after the people who invented them. You may be familiar with some names, but others may surprise you.
Ignacio ‘Nacho’ Anaya García Invented Nachos
Nachos is a beloved snack of tortilla chips topped with melted cheese and other toppings. This treat was named after its inventor, Ignacio ‘Nacho’ Anaya García. While he was working at a restaurant in Piedras Negras, Mexico, several U.S. military wives visited requesting meals. He needed a lot of food in a short amount of time, so he quickly cooked up tortilla chips and topped them with cheese.
The delighted women asked what this dish was called, and García replied, “Nacho’s Especiales,” – thus creating the name Nachos. This snack soon became a popular item on menus worldwide.
Burpees Aren’t Called That Because They Make You Burp
While the term “burpee” might suggest a connection to burping, this full-body exercise has no relation to belches. It is not a mere nonsensical term but holds historical significance. Physiologist Royal Huddleston Burpee Sr. (1897-1987) devised this exercise in 1939 while pursuing his applied physiology degree at Columbia University Teacher’s College. Originally designed as a fitness assessment, it was not meant to be repeated more than four times.
Candido Jacuzzi Invented a Whirlpool Bath to Lessen His Son’s Pain
The Jacuzzi originated as a remedy for the ailing child of an Italian immigrant whose last name was misspelled at Ellis Island. In the 1950s, Candido (Jacuzzi) Jacuzzi devised a hydrotherapy pump to alleviate the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis in his 15-month-old son Kenneth, which could be utilized in a standard bathtub. Jacuzzi later introduced it to the market as a therapeutic device, but by 1968, it had transformed into a pool designed for leisure and relaxation.
Adolphe Sax Invented a Brass Instrument for Military Bands
Antoine-Joseph “Adolphe” Sax (1814-1894) faced mishaps but crafted a remarkable musical instrument. Despite a tumultuous youth, the daring Belgian narrowly escaped death multiple times due to bizarre accidents, like ingesting sulfuric acid and being hit in the head by a brick. As Sax aged, his audacity led to innovation with the iconic instrument bearing his name. Initially, for military bands, his creation later captivated mainstream music. He also introduced saxtuba, saxhorn, and saxotromba.
Earl Tupper Put His Name on a Line of Kitchen and Storage Products
New Hampshire native Earl Tupper (1907-1983) held various odd jobs before joining the renowned DuPont company. Unlike the typical DuPont chemist, he didn’t leave a legacy of bulletproof vests or contaminated waterways. Instead, his legacy lies in the vibrant containers that store long-forgotten leftovers in our fridges.
Tupper introduced Tupperware, those heat- and impact-resistant containers found in countless North American households. Teaming up with expert salesperson Brownie Wise, he marketed Tupperware successfully, amassing a fortune before his death at 76.
The Popsicle Was Invented by an 11-Year-Old Who Became ‘Pop’
In 1905, young Frank Epperson from California mixed water and powdered sugar and then forgot it outside. The cold weather froze the concoction, forming a solid treat with a handle – the Epsicle. As an adult, he patented the treat as the Popsicle, inspired by his children calling it their Pop’s ‘sicle. The official tale suggests a mix of “lollipop” and “icicle,” though it’s likely a clever blend.
John Landis Mason Was a Pioneer in Preserving Food
The Mason jar, now a common household item, was a revolutionary advancement in food preservation. In the 1800s, John Landis Mason introduced a jar with a screw-top lid and rubber ring, ensuring a secure seal without the usual risks of canning. Despite an incomplete patent in 1858, Mason faced financial struggles due to widespread imitation, highlighting the challenges inventors often face despite their contributions.
Joseph Pilates Developed a Mind-Body Exercise in an Internment Camp
During WWI, German-born Joseph Pilates (1883-1967) crafted his renowned exercise method while interning in the U.K. As a fitness instructor and healthcare worker during his internment, he fused mental and physical control techniques, forming his distinctive approach known as “Contrology.” After the war, he introduced his method to the world, later becoming popular as Pilates, attracting a vast following of enthusiasts.
George Washington Gale Ferris Jr. Came up With His Wheel to Compete With the Eiffel Tower
The Ferris wheel is attributed to George Washington Gale Ferris Jr. (1859-1896). While earlier rotating attractions existed, the Illinois engineer swiftly constructed his grand wheel in response to the challenge of creating a centerpiece for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition.
Intended as America’s answer to the Eiffel Tower introduced at the 1889 Paris World’s Fair, this circular marvel didn’t quite reach the towering status of its French counterpart. Nonetheless, it evolved into the world’s most renowned amusement ride, forever known as Ferris’s wheel.
Sylvester Graham Conceptualized His Crackers to Tame ‘Overstimulation’
Sylvester Graham (1794-1851) advocated for a simple, natural lifestyle in the American temperance movement, opposing “overstimulation” and excessive pleasures. He believed in better health through minimalism and viewed self-indulgence as morally wrong. Graham restricted sex, alcohol, meat, and spicy foods and favored whole wheat over white bread, creating his flour for making wafers and bread.
Rudolf Diesel Packed a Punch Into Vehicles
A person with a mighty name, Rudolf Diesel (1858-1913), an innovative German engineer, introduced one of the most potent fuels. In the late 1800s, he developed an advanced engine and fuel system that now bears his name. His vision was to enhance fuel efficiency and replace steam power. His invention succeeded, leading to the decline of steam power while Diesel engines continued to excel, offering fuel efficiency 20%-35% higher than gasoline. Ironically, Diesel vanished aboard a steamship in September 1913.
Jules Léotard Was Deceased When His Name Became a Uniform
The form-fitting garment, widely known, is named after the innovative French acrobat Jules Léotard (1838-1870). He introduced his sleeveless, tight-fitting one-piece outfit, calling it maillot (French for undershirt or sports shirt).
Unlike many others here, this name gained popularity after Léotard’s death. He succumbed to an unknown infectious disease in 1870, and his outfit became part of everyday language in the 1880s. This attire later adorned gymnasts, dancers, wrestlers, figure skaters, and performers worldwide.
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