"BarCon" was a trademark of SunTour, but given that SunTour is basically defunct, I see no reason for zeal in defending that trademark, so I have no problem with using it as a generic term. At least it's better than calling them "bar ends" since that term is more properly used for the add-on doodads that go on MTB handlebars.
On the other hand, I get apoplexy when people speak of "Tipo" hubs! "Nuovo Tipo" is Italian for "New Type." so calling them "Tipo" is equivalent to calling them "Type" hubs. All this does is call attention to the speaker's laziness and ignorance of the Italian language.
While I'm in curmudgeon mode, I'll also mention my other two pet peeves "brake arch" and "crank arm."
See my Bicyle Glossary for more on this, if you care!
http://sheldonbrown.com/
Sheldon "Not Really Apoplectic" Brown
Newtonville, Massachusetts
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