Scotch Tape

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Scotch Tape denotes the line of adhesive tapes manufactured by 3M as part of the company's Scotch brand.

The precursor to the current line of tapes was developed in the 1930s by inventor Richard Drew. Although it is a trademarked brand name, it is often improperly used in the U.S. as a generic term for any transparent adhesive tape.

Use of the term "Scotch" in the name has a rather pejorative origin. 3M tried to cut the costs of production, the adhesive was attached only on the edges of the tape. A remark was made that the stingy Scotch bosses need to put more adhesive on it - the name has stuck ever since.[1] Scotty McTape, a kilt-wearing cartoon boy, was the brand's mascot for two decades, first appearing in 1944. The familiar plaid design was introduced to packing soon afterwards in 1945.

The Scotch® brand and Scotch® Tape are registered trademarks of 3M.