History Of The Word 'Hooker'?: Pictures Of People And The Nouns They Become
Publish date: 2024-09-28
According to etymonline.com, the origins of the word "hooker" are often "traced to the disreputable morals of the Army of the Potomac (American Civil War) under the tenure of Gen. 'Fighting Joe' Hooker, and the word probably was popularized by this association at that time."
That's a pretty dismal legacy to leave behind. But there are plenty of other people whose names have become household: the Jacuzzi brothers, Henry Heimlich, Jules Leotard, etc. LIFE has curated a whole gallery of people who became nouns. Here's a small sampling:
- Hide caption Civil War Union Maj. Gen. Joseph Hooker was infamous for providing troops with "female companionship." Previous Next Time Life Pictures/Getty Images/Courtesy of LIFE
- Hide caption Samuel Maverick's grandson makes a speech in 1952. Samuel, a signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence, refused to brand his cattle, for fear of harming the animals. According to Life, he came to be known for his independent streak; hence the term "maverick." Previous Next Francis Miller/Getty Images/Courtesy of LIFE
- Hide caption This name is in every American bathroom. Inventor King Camp GiIlette, photographed circa 1920, began selling his disposable safety razors around 1902. Previous Next Keystone/Getty Images/Courtesy of LIFE
- Hide caption Norwegian traitor Vidkun Quisling (right) gives a Nazi salute following German occupation of the country. His name has come to mean traitor. Previous Next National Archives/Getty Images/Courtesy of LIFE
- Hide caption Enzo Ferrari, the Italian car designer, behind the wheel of one of his cars, April 1964 Previous Next Evening Standard/Getty Images/Courtesy of LIFE
- Hide caption German physicist Hans Geiger, circa 1940, co-invented the counter that is used to detect nuclear radiation. Previous Next Keystone/Getty Images/Courtesy of LIFE
Can you think of any others? Leave your comments. Or see more at life.com.
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7r7zRZ6arn1%2BosqTAyKilrGegnrC1wdGeqqGnp2R%2FcX2PaGhpZ2JsfHJ%2Fj3Fua21lZ3yttcWepaitnqg%3D