Teacher Discussion Forums

I think 'ubiquitous' is originally a theological
term meaning 'present or appearing everywhere; omnipresent'.
'Ubiquitous computing' seems to retain part of this
meaning: computing that can be done anywhere, any time.
But in the following cases, it just means 'common', I think.
"A keiki's, or children's, menu is available, with fish, chicken, and the ubiquitous hamburger."
"Golden arches not included: An example of the ubiquitous McMansion."
I wonder if this is commonly used.
Thank you.

ubiquity
1579, from M.Fr. ubiquité (17c.), from L. ubique "everywhere," from ubi "where" (see ubi) + que "any, also, ever," a suffix that can give universal meaning to the word it is attached to. Originally a Lutheran theological position maintaining the omnipresence of Christ. Ubiquitous in the sense of "turning up everywhere" is first recorded 1837, originally a jocular extension of the theological word.




Looks to me like it still means 'appearing everywhere' in your examples, rather than 'common'. For example, a disease could be common, but not ubiquitous, I think.