List of advertising clichés
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
An advertising cliché, is a cliché used in advertising. This is a list of the most commonly used examples.
[edit] Phrases
- For all your ____-ing needs.
- And much, much more!
- Not sold in any store!
- How much would you expect to pay?
- But wait! Order now and you also get ___!
- But wait, there's more[1]!
- There has to be a better way!
- Don't waste your time on [similar but supposedly less efficient product].
- Actual results may vary[2].
- Don't be fooled by imitators/competitors.
- For a limited time only[3].
- Our best just got better.
- New and improved[4].
- Terms and conditions apply[5].
- Only $__!
- Just __ easy payments of $__!
- Free* [6]
- Ask your doctor if ____ is right for you[7].
- How do we do it? Volume!
- Prices marked TOO LOW to advertise! (Usually seen in ads for automobiles.)
- Void where prohibited[8].
- Some assembly required.
- Fun to play with, not to eat
- Each sold separately.
- Batteries not included. (This phrase and the 3 above it are commonly heard in children's toy commercials.)
- Part of a complete/good/balanced breakfast (almost always heard in ads for children's breakfast cereal)
- As seen on TV![9]
- You can't afford not to buy this!
- Makes a great gift!
- More than just [product category]!
- The secret is ___. (Used to describe something that is unique to a particular product.)
- Better than the leading brand.
- Don't delay, call now!
- scientifically proven to be more effective than (brand X)!
- Kids, get your parents' permission before ordering!
- For the (woman, man, kid) in you! (alternately: Makes you feel like a ___)
- Product is often described as being an "old family recipe"
- We're practically giving them away!
- None genuine unless it bears the signature of ___ (common in 19th century quack medicine)
- You've tried the rest, now try the best!
- Many will enter, few will win.
- In car ads, a sale is always referred to as an "event".
- A great deal will be made that the product is being sold under a certain amount (such as "Under $1000!") when the stated price said it is just under that amount: "and it's yours for only $999!".
- Four out of five ___ agree product X is the best! (where ___ is somebody who is expected to be an expert in the field: doctors, dentists, mothers, etc.)[10]
- Act now and get a free _____ with your purchase!
- When you call, ask your operator about ___.
- The sale must end this weekend![11]
- The announcer for a drug commercial would say the side effects and dangers of the drug in a manner so fast it is almost overlooked.
- The announcer asking "average people" (who are played by actors) about their experiences about the product.
- Replacing the type of product being sold with the word "solution", such as "cleaning solutions" or "lighting solutions".
- Magically ____s!
- The number-one movie in the country! (Sometimes includes the genre)
[edit] Notes
- ^ This phrase has actually been trademarked by Ron Popeil, the owner of Ronco.
- ^ Used to avoid lawsuits when the advertisement does not always deliver the shown results. Frequently used in weight-loss commercials.
- ^ This is frequently untrue, as a product will sometimes be added permanently to the product line after good sales
- ^ However, this appears to be self-contradictory: if something is improved, it cannot be new.
- ^ Usually said very rapidly or printed very small in an obscure location.
- ^ An asterisk implies that the product is not actually free, compare to "Terms and conditions apply". Frequently seen in banner ads that promote free electronics such as iPods and PSPs.
- ^ May also be "Talk to your doctor about ____". Used in advertisements for pharmeceutical products such as medicine.
- ^ Usually because of special laws in certain areas, and can also be restricted to the Continental United States or Canada. Frequently seen in sweepstakes contests.
- ^ An alternate version of this cliché is "Similar to those seen on TV" for imitations.
- ^ This cliché was parodied in the Trident gum commercials, which really had four out of five dentists agree that it helps clean teeth, in which one such expert accidentally falls on the "No" button)
- ^ Despite this, the advertisement is repeated for several weeks running.