Mercedeses

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Plural term referring to multiple vehicles produced by the German automobile manufacturer ; sometimes referring more broadly to different models or instances of a car brand known for luxury and engineering quality ; rarely, may be used metaphorically for items regarded as representing top-tier status or class
2. Refers to several autos from a renowned European luxury carmaker ; can indicate various models under the same prestigious vehicle brand ; on occasion, describes things or people exemplifying premium distinction or excellence
3. Used for describing more than one car made by a famous upscale automaker ; may denote multiple types or generations within the brand’s product line ; at times, applied figuratively to suggest items of high prestige or superior caliber

Etymology: The plural here is a joke on a brand name. "Mercedes" was never a common noun; it is a proper name that became a trademark, and "mercedeses" is what happens when that trademark is pluralized as if it were an ordinary English noun. Its origin is a Spanish name, "Mercedes," meaning "Our Lady of Mercy," the title of Mary used in Spanish religious tradition. The car was named for a real girl. Emil Jellinek, an Austrian businessman, ordered 36 cars from the engineer Gottlieb Daimler on the condition that they bear the name of his daughter, Mercédès Jellinek, and that Daimler give him the exclusive sales agency for America and parts of Europe. Daimler agreed, and the name went onto the vehicles that made the brand famous.