How Did They Come Up With The Name For Q-Tips?
By DB
@dgobucks226 (34491)
November 25, 2020 7:48pm CST
How Did They Come Up With The Name For Q-Tips?
It seems a strange name for a hygienic product made from cotton. But it is definitely more recognizable and catchier sounding than its generic name the "cotton swab."
Yes, the Q-Tip is a popular implement used to apply ointment and creams to the body. I've even used it to clean away dust in small spaces, to clean the lint out of my hair dyer, and I've read in a pinch it makes a good candle lighter (got to try that one).
Anyway, just how did they arrive at the name? Well, here is a little background history which answers that question...
Q-tips were first conceived by Leo Gerstenzang, who observed his wife sticking bits of cotton to toothpicks. He thought the idea a good one so Leo decided to found his own company in 1923 and produce cotton swabs. The swabs were initially named "Baby Gays," then "Q-Tip Baby Gays" and finally by 1926 just "Q-Tips."
Which leads me to my question of the day. Just what does the Q stand for? Any guesses?
And finally... What uses have you found for Q-Tips?
Source info- Readers Digest
9 people like this
10 responses
@LindaOHio (158447)
• United States
26 Nov 20
Here's what it says on the world-wide-web: "Q" stands for quality and "tips" for the cotton wool tips. Our little housekeeper uses them to clean my Tiffany-style lamp base. You can't get in all the nooks and crannies of the base without one. Have a blessed, safe and healthy Thanksgiving.
4 people like this
@LindaOHio (158447)
• United States
28 Nov 20
@dgobucks226 Thanksgiving was pleasant. We ate too much and watched football...typical! :-)
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (34491)
•
28 Nov 20
Thank you! Hope your Thanksgiving was pleasant. Yes, that's what the Q-means, lol. That's a good use for them. Also for jewelry. Another I found was to Clean scuffs on leather shoes with a Q-tip and some petroleum jelly.
2 people like this
@dgobucks226 (34491)
•
28 Nov 20
Yes, very dangerous for getting excess wax out of the ears. I learned the hard way. The Q stands for "quality" therefore, "Quality Tips."
Another Use:
Clean scuffs on leather shoes with a Q-tip and some petroleum jelly.
Great jewelry cleaner.
1 person likes this
@kanuck1 (4401)
•
28 Nov 20
@dgobucks226 Q is for quality. Makes sense! If I ever find any jewelry I'll keep it mind! 
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (34491)
•
29 Nov 20
@kanuck1 In the meantime you can clean the dust off your lap top keyboard..
In the meantime you can clean the dust off your lap top keyboard..1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (34491)
•
28 Nov 20
Yes, not a good idea to use as an ear cleaner. The Q stands for "quality" therefore, "Quality Tips."
Some other uses:
You could use it to clean dust on your computer key pad.
For makeup application.
Clean scuffs on leather shoes with a Q-tip and some petroleum jelly.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (34491)
•
28 Nov 20
I've done the same thing! The Q stands for "quality" therefore, "Quality Tips."
Another Use:
You could use it to clean dust on your computer key pad.
2 people like this
@JudyEv (326601)
• Rockingham, Australia
28 Nov 20
@dgobucks226 Thanks for the explanation. I keep old toothbrushes for some of those purposes.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (34491)
•
28 Nov 20
The Q stands for "quality" therefore, "Quality Tips."
Some other uses:
You could use it to clean dust on your computer key pad.
You could brush your pets teeth with them.
Clean scuffs on leather shoes with a Q-tip and some petroleum jelly.
Great jewelry cleaner.
2 people like this
@RebeccasFarm (86976)
• United States
2 Dec 20
I use them to clean tiny spaces in my electronic items.
1 person likes this
@Fleura (29274)
• United Kingdom
28 Nov 20
@dgobucks226 It's funny how people interpret the word 'quality' as meaning 'good quality' or the best, when in reality it just means a measure of something, like 'size' or 'flavour'; 'quality' could just as easily mean 'poor quality'.
1 person likes this
@Fleura (29274)
• United Kingdom
29 Nov 20
@dgobucks226 true, but then there is some truth in it in that 'low tar' IS lower in tar than the regular type.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (34491)
•
28 Nov 20
The Q stands for "quality" therefore, "Quality Tips."
In America this trademarked name is the most widely sold which caused the use of this term.
Other uses:
You could use it to clean dust on your computer key pad.
You could brush your pets teeth with them.
Clean scuffs on leather shoes with a Q-tip and some petroleum jelly.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (34491)
•
28 Nov 20
No, I did not think so either. The Q stands for "quality" therefore, "Quality Tips."
Other uses:
You could use it to clean dust on your computer key pad.
You could brush your pets teeth with them.
Clean scuffs on leather shoes with a Q-tip and some petroleum jelly.
@dinosponge (35)
• Malaysia
26 Nov 20
Q-tips? i never know that before, what i always use is cotton bud
2 people like this
@dgobucks226 (34491)
•
28 Nov 20
The Q stands for "quality" therefore, "Quality Tips."
Another Use:
You could use it to clean dust on your computer key pad.
