A trademarked water-softening agent or chemical product, originally brand name, used to prevent mineral deposits in washing machines and hard water treatment.
A brand name created in the early 20th century, possibly from 'calcium' and 'gone' or a similar marketing-created neologism. It became so popular it turned into a generic term.
'Calgon, take me away!' became an iconic advertising slogan, but the real story is how a brand name became so dominant that people used it generically—like saying 'kleenex' for tissues!
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