Topics: Sex and Relationships
Durex is one of the most know and used condom brands out there, but I bet you’ve never wondered about where the name come from and what it means.
You’ll find Durex located in public toilets, pharmacies, supermarkets, in bedside cabinets, and bathrooms too.
Not only do they have different flavours and sizes, but they have multiple textures too for those looking to expand their sexual horizons.
After seeing them so often, it’s so strange that nobody seems to know what the name actually means.
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Now, you won’t be judged for thinking it mean ‘Durable Sex’, ‘During Sex’, or something else that begins with D and ends with Sex.
But you’d be very wrong.
Instead, it’s actually an acronym.
Back in 1915, when it was founded, it was called The London Rubber Company before changing its name in 1929.
So, what was the name and what is its acronym? Durability, Reliability, Excellence.
It’s no surprise that nobody knew what the name meant, as who could guess that?
The company became so big in the condom world because it kept up with the demand. For example, it introduced electronic testing in 1953 and also went on to release the world's first anatomically shaped condom in 1969.
Then it released the first ribbed and dotted condoms in 2001.
Online, people were shocked by the revelation.
One person on Instagram said: “I thought it was an acronym for DURing sEX.”
On X, a user wrote: “What I learned today: The Durex name stands for DUrability, Reliability, EXcellence.”
The company’s 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."
Meanwhile, 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."
So, it looks like nobody expected the brand to come out with its name having three words as the meaning.
Now, if you think that’s weird, wait until you read about why Trojan, the condom brand, is named that way too.
In the spirit of explaining condom brands and their choices, Trojan’s name is pretty odd, but it serves a purpose. The logo, which features the head of a warrior’s head, signifies that this might actually be a reference to the Trojan horse, in the city of Troy.
The walls that warriors used the horse to enter were impregnable, and impenetrable- like condoms (kinda). So, it’s a play on not getting someone pregnant.
