Their products have been on supermarket shelves for more than 100 years – but some people are still puzzled over what Durex‘s brand name actually means.
The condom manufacturer, owned by Reckitt and currently overseen by Ben Wilson, was initially established as the London Rubber Company in 1915.
However, it was rebranded as Durex 14 years later, becoming the first condom brand to advertise in numerous countries.
Only recently have some social media users begun to question what Durex stands for, with many unaware that it’s an amalgamation of three words.
According to the company, Durex is derived from durability, reliability, and excellence – qualities the founders aimed to encapsulate in their product.
Their website states: “We’ve been making condoms with the finest raw materials since 1929, so we know a thing or two about performance.
“And we don’t just mean in the bedroom (or wherever you’re doing it).”
It further adds: “Our condoms are electronically tested for holes, dermatologically tested for comfort, and they perform better than standard in global quality tests, so everyone everywhere is free to enjoy sex that feels good with anyone, anywhere.”
The brand also collaborates with health professionals, scientists, and academics who are on a mission to enhance sexual experiences.
One Instagram user commented on the brand’s name, saying: “I thought it was an acronym for “DURing sEX. ” Another added: “I thought it is ‘do the rex’.
“A third chimed in with: “How is it durable?” while another questioned: “Durability? Doesn’t it depend on the person using it?”
Meanwhile, over on Reddit, a user shared: “Today I learned that the condom brand DUREX is an abbreviation of the words ‘DUrable Reliable EXcellence’.”
Another Reddit user joked: “Is it just me but the three big diesel truck brands sound like they could be condom brands too.
“PowerStroke, Duramax, and the one that speaks for itself Cummins.”
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