What is rubbing alcohol called in south africa?

If you’re living in South Africa and need to purchase rubbing alcohol, we’re sorry to inform you that it’s not as simple as asking for “rubbing alcohol”. In fact, the term is quite different from what most people are used to. So, grab a chair and let’s dive into the weird world of rubbing alcohol terminology in South Africa.

First things first: What is Rubbing Alcohol?

Before we can explore the bizarre naming conventions of rubbing alcohol products in South Africa, it’s important to know what exactly rubbing alcohol is.

In technical terms, rubbing or isopropyl alcohol is just one type of solvent found among many others. Specifically, it’s an industrial-grade compound composed mainly of water mixed with 70% or more pure ethanol (grain-derived) and/or other alcohols like methanol.

But why do we call it “rubbing” specifically? Because this type of high-proof liquid has long been used for disinfecting surfaces human beings regularly rub against — hence its name!

With that out of the way; let’s move on…

The Evolving Terminology

The truth about rubbing-alcohol vocabulary isn’t limited solely to RSA (Republic Of South African). In most parts worldwide where over-the-counter sales/trends exist,different regions have specific variations/formulations determined by local usage/customs.(fact)

Thus like such deviation applies too down under(Psst… that means Australia)
Rubbing Alcohol goes renamed based on who/how these consumer groups determine which names stick once they become commercially available.

In some areas outside RSA such variation might manifest itself between brands – certain household-name-market leaders tout corny-sounding nicknames while smaller mom-and-pop labels go straight up formal full-names etc but across borders those same differences take-on a regional undertone (and an absurd one at that)

For Reference: The Most Common Terminologies Used Internationally

To help provide a basis for comparison, here are some of the most common terms used to refer to rubbing alcohol in other parts of the world:

  • USA: Rubbing Alcohol (also known as DIY Mouthwash and/or Yucky Medicine)
  • UK: Surgical Spirit
  • Australia/New Zealand: Isocol
  • Germany/Austria/Switzerland: Isopropanol oder Propan-2-ol

What Do They Call It In South Africa?

Now we come finally to this article’s topic matter – what do they call it in RSA?

Allow us present you with not just one term but rather several closely related variants — all shaped by local history and entrenched cultural norms alike…

Methylated Spirits

If you walk into any hardware store or supermarket grooming aisle within South Africa looking for rubbing alcohol, the first thing you’ll be presented with is Methylated spirits.

This term applies almost universally across RSA(though naturally commercial organizations might try alternative brand-names should vendors relish an opportunity in such rebranding ). Furthermore unlike US-style Rubbing Alcohols, which are sometimes mixed with sweeteners/other chemicals so as to mask their harsher odor/smell/taste/etc; methylated spirit’s distinct acrid smell makes equally good case against imbibing.

Meths(as its lovedly known),despite their toxicity/hazards if ingested do certainly have valid use cases. Typically people use meths both indoors and outdoors since they’re efficient degreasers/paint removers/cleansers etc.

Surgical Spirits

Surgical spirits seem functionally similar to “rubbing” alcohols anywhere else worldwide. Mainly utilized cleaning wounds/prepping skin surfaces prior-to performing medical procedures/ Tattoo-ing; while some regional differences might however exist in formula/spelling/branding used, the term “surgical spirits” is often seen on many RSA-stock bottle shelves.

Isopropyl Alcohol

If you’re looking for high-concentration 70%+ grade/standard rubbing alcohol that hasn’t been adulterated or mixed with any other substances,isopropyl-alcohol from companies like Powerclean Chemicals and Isopropanol performs pretty much equally to generic rubbing alcohols counterparts found globally.

Conclusion

Well,Grapple all you want; at the end of the day Rubbing Alcohols around worldwide over have solidly cohesive usage/viewpoint but down here where sun shines brighter there’s a little bit of disparity when it comes to brand names.

Given its varied uses however [disinfectant purposes only] no one really bats an eye at what specific RSA naming we settle with – it’ll always remain as useful(and possibly risky) as our counterparts overseas.

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