Many people are only now discovering what Durex actually stands for—and it’s not what they thought.

Founded as the London Rubber Company in 1915, Durex became a leading c****m brand after acquiring the trademark in 1929. Over the decades, it pioneered innovations like anatomically shaped rubbers, electronic testing, and international advertising.

While many assumed the name referred to “during ***” or durability alone, the BBC reports that Durex is actually an acronym for Durability, Reliability, and Excellence—values the brand still upholds today.

The revelation surprised many online, with some joking and others sharing how they only learned the truth while studying brand names.

Durex continues to emphasize performance, testing its products for safety and comfort. According to its website, the brand works with health experts to help people everywhere enjoy better, safer experiences.

The company began producing its own c*****s in 1932 and remains a global leader in sexual wellness.