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Why a Kazakh city’s name on toilet paper sparked a viral debate

From confusion to tradition: How a toilet paper brand’s name became a social media battleground. Is *Semey* just quirky—or crossing a line?

In the image we can see there are many donuts of different color. This is a name and price tag.
In the image we can see there are many donuts of different color. This is a name and price tag.

Why a Kazakh city’s name on toilet paper sparked a viral debate

A debate has broken out online over the use of the name Semey for a toilet paper brand. The product shares its title with a Kazakh city, sparking questions about whether geographic names suit personal hygiene items. While some users found the choice odd, others defended the tradition of naming goods after locations.

The controversy began when social media users noticed the Semey brand of toilet paper. A few suggested the confusion might stem from unclear original packaging. Others pointed out that geographic names for such products were not new—citing Naberezhnye Chelny, a Russian toilet paper brand named after its city of origin.

The debate over Semey toilet paper highlights differing views on naming conventions. While some question the suitability of geographic brands for hygiene products, others see it as a long-standing, unproblematic practice. The ministry’s stance on the matter remains unclear for now.

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