We mentioned a while back that Google is discouraging their users from using Google as a verb. On the other hand, Yahoo! had no problem with people using Yahoo! as a verb. This issue seems to have risen again and now Google seems more determined with their post.

They offered a couple of decent examples of products which were quickly adapted into the English language like:

• zipper -> zip
• brassieres -> bra

They firmly stated that “Google” is a trademark of an official company and is not intent on joining the English language as a verb.

Here are the examples on how one should and shouldn’t use Google:

Usage: ‘Google’ as noun referring to, well, us. Example: “I just love Google, they’re soooo cute and cuddly and adorable and awesome!” Our lawyers say: Good. Very, very good. There’s no question here that you’re referring to Google Inc. as a company. Use it widely, and hey, tell a friend.

Usage: ‘Google’ as verb referring to searching for information on, um, Google. Example: “I googled him on the well-known website Google.com and he seems pretty interesting.” Our lawyers say: Well, we’re happy at least that it’s clear you mean searching on Google.com. As our friends at Merriam-Webster note, to “Google” means “to use the Google search engine to find information about (as a person) on the World Wide Web.”

Usage: ‘Google’ as verb referring to searching for information via any conduit other than Google. Example: “I googled him on Yahoo and he seems pretty interesting.” Our lawyers say: Bad. Very, very bad. You can only “Google” on the Google search engine. If you absolutely must use one of our competitors, please feel free to “search” on Yahoo or any other search engine.

It’s funny because now Google seems to be going after those who use Google as a verb with lawyer threats!

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