Memorex

/ˈmɛməˌrɛks/ proper noun

Definition

A brand name for magnetic tape and recording media, famous for audio cassettes and the slogan 'Is it live, or is it Memorex?'

Etymology

Coined in 1961 as a blend of 'memory' and the suffix '-ex' suggesting excellence or technology. The company became synonymous with high-quality audio recording tape during the analog era.

Kelly Says

The famous Memorex commercial featuring Ella Fitzgerald shattering a wine glass with her voice, then the recording doing the same, became one of advertising's most memorable demonstrations of product quality. The phrase 'Is it live, or is it Memorex?' entered popular culture as a way to question what's real versus reproduced.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.