Eponymous Words in English

Words, titles or phrases which are coined after names of people are called ‘Eponymous words’. Do you know what is the similarity between Gandhiji and Harry Potter? Is there any? --you wonder. But yes, there is. 

Who is Harry Potter? ----the hero of series of novels written by J.K. Rowling. The entire series is named after this child protagonist. The novel derives its name from the name of a person. 

Similarly, the word ‘Gandhian’ is derived from Mahatma Gandhi---our ‘Father of the nation.’ Any philosophy or actions which advocate non-violence and peace are called Gandhian. The attributes of such a policy are as per the attributes of a person. 

Chauvinism, is a word very commonly used in our everyday life. It comes from the name of a French soldier---Nicolas Chauvin from Rochefort. Nicolas was a dedicated and patriotic soldier in army of famous French king, Napoleon Bonaparte. It is good to be loyal to one’s king and country, but it should not be aggression and intolerance bordering on fanaticism. Because of his blind faith, he was ridiculed by his fellow soldiers and eventually executed after Napoleon went out of power. 

Want to learn more of such eponymous words----watch this video to enjoy and enhance your knowledge about more such eponymous words.