Top Three Characters That Created a New Word

It's Friday again, which mean it's time for a top three list! This week's theme is the top three book characters whose name inspired a new word. While this is an undeniably dorky subject, I thought it also might be kind of fun to see whether or not you knew about these derivations, which, btdubs, are known as a form of neologism--the coining of a new word.

Now, we all know the concept of Catch-22 was inspired by Joseph Heller's novel of the same name, and that Lewis Carroll's poem, The Jabberwocky, included bunches of invented words. (Fun fact: while in college, I worked at a restaurant called The Jaberwoke, and its menu included references to "bandersnatch" and the "jubjub bird.) However, there are also some fantastic classics out there whose characters have established new words we now use in everyday conversation. This is truly one of the signs of a wholly original character whose character resonates with readers; it also, of course, implies the potential power of a name:

1. Scrooge: A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens

Okay, so this first one is a little obvious, but seriously, how often do we hear miserly people being referred to as scrooges, or even the use of scrooged as a verb?

2. Gargantuan: The Life of Gargantua and of Pantagruel, Francois Rabelais

This 16th century French novel (well, actually five novels) tell the story of voracious father-and-son giants in rollicking, satirical tones. Gargantua is the father, and as you can guess, his towering stature inspired the word gargantuan.

3. Quixotic: Don Quixote, Miguel de Cervantes

This is undoubtedly my favorite. One of the great works of western literature, period, and one of the most interesting characters, too. Meaning exceedingly idealistic, unrealistic and impossible, quixotic is inspired by the title character, a retired country gentleman who becomes obsessed with books of chivalry (believing their every word) and so decides to go out into the world as a knight-errant. Fantastic farce ensues!

PS: I decided to only choose from books that I had read and to limit my selections to novels, rather than getting into plays, poems, etc.