name

Teflon

TEHF-lon

Teflon (name) means a brand name for a non-stick coating material (PTFE) used on cookware and other products. Example: “The pan has a Teflon coating so food doesn't stick.”

name

A brand name for a non-stick coating material (PTFE) used on cookware and other products.

"The pan has a Teflon coating so food doesn't stick."

adj

Seemingly immune to criticism or blame, as if nothing bad sticks to the person.

"The politician earned a Teflon reputation, surviving scandal after scandal."

How to use Teflon

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishLiterally a non-stick coating brand; figuratively describes someone criticism just slides off.

Common pairings

Teflon coating Teflon reputation Teflon politician

Word forms

more teflon comparative, Teflons plural, most teflon superlative

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The pan has a _____ coating so food doesn't stick.

Etymology

A 1940s trade name built from parts of "tetrafluoroethylene", modelled after other material names like nylon.

· First attested 1940

Class of 1940 Teflon joined the language around 1940.

acronym asperger automation bebop butch

See the full Class of 1940 →

Frequently asked questions

What does “Teflon” mean?

The word “Teflon” means a brand name for a non-stick coating material (PTFE) used on cookware and other products. In plain terms, literally a non-stick coating brand; figuratively describes someone criticism just slides off.

How do you pronounce “Teflon”?

“Teflon” is pronounced TEHF-lon (/ˈtɛflɒn/ in IPA).

How do you use “Teflon” in a sentence?

Here is “Teflon” used in a sentence: “The pan has a Teflon coating so food doesn't stick.”

What part of speech is “Teflon”?

Depending on how it is used, “Teflon” can be a name and an adjective.

Where does the word “Teflon” come from?

The word “Teflon” dates back to around 1940. A 1940s trade name built from parts of "tetrafluoroethylene", modelled after other material names like nylon.

How many meanings does “Teflon” have?

“Teflon” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a brand name for a non-stick coating material (PTFE) used on cookware and other products.