Consumers have been surprised to learn the hidden ancient Greek meaning behind the brand name Ajax, a popular brand of household cleaning products and detergents made by Colgate-Palmolive.
It has been revealed on a social media post which has since gone viral, that the cleaning brand was in fact so named in reference to the muscular hero Ajax (Aias) of Greek mythology.
The clue, apparently, lies within the brand’s original slogan, “Stronger than Grease” - a pun for the Trojan warrior who was ‘stronger than Greece’ and second only to Achilles among Greek heroes of war.
“Their slogan is ‘stronger than grease’ and I was like, “OK, yeah that makes sense for a dish soap.”
“Wait. AJAX was a Greek soldier renowned for his strength.
“AJAX is stronger than all of Greece,” reads the now widely circulated post.
In Homer's Iliad ‘Ajax the Great’ is described as of immense stature, colossal frame, and the strongest of all of the Greeks.
The son of Telamon, king of Salamis, Ajax was a great hero, fighting for the Greeks in the Trojan war. It was Ajax who fought Hector in single combat after Achilles' initial departure from the fighting.
While no definite answer is given, it is inferred by Colgate-Palmolive that they named the product Ajax because the mythological figure was a mighty warrior who ‘cleaned up’ in battle.
The strength of Ajax was such that he required no assistance from the gods, implying that Ajax cleanser is capable of cleaning up in the house without assistance from other products.
Claimed by the brand to be ‘made for everyday heroes’, the product website reads: “Life is tough. But you are tougher! By standing tall in the face of messes, you are an everyday hero.”
The revelation about the association of this popular cleaning brand with ancient mythology leaves us wondering if there was perhaps a little-known Greek God named ‘Windex’.
