As someone who grew up in the 90s and early 2000s, these catchy slogans were more than just marketing jingles to me; they were part of my childhood memories. The Big Mac was not just a burger, it was an experience that came with the promise of “Two All-Beef Patties, Special Sauce, Lettuce, Cheese, Pickles, Onions on a Sesame Seed Bun.” The 5 Dollar Footlong was the answer to every college student’s question: “What’s for dinner?” And let’s not forget the iconic M&M’s slogan that made us feel superior when we compared them to other chocolates.
Despite the rise of streaming platforms, some advertising professionals firmly believe that nothing beats selling a product via a popular TV advertisement. This is why ads during events like the Super Bowl continue to command high prices. There’s just something captivating about watching a live television commercial, and the most effective ones can leave a lasting impression – often for decades after they were first viewed.
This list honors some of the most memorable moments in advertising. While we may grumble when commercial breaks stretch too long, there’s a hidden appreciation for the outstanding ads that manage to capture our attention. We find ourselves humming infectious jingles and laughing at amusing commercials. Beneath the surface, we admire clever marketing strategies and compelling catchphrases. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit these classic gems. These are the catchphrases that have left an enduring impact on us all.
Like A Good Neighbor, State Farm Is There – State Farm
State Farm occasionally gets away from the iconic jingle, but the insurance giant always seems to come back, probably because it’s one of the best and most memorable advertising slogans in history. Written by a young Barry Manilow, who later went on to pop stardom, it just rolls right off the tongue and has been featured in numerous commercials, including one series in which singing the theme song conjures a State Farm employee who can help solve whatever problem they’re dealing with.
Be Like Mike – Gatorade
Gatorade is often called “Mike.” It occasionally spills out less than two months after Michael Jordan wins his first basketball championship, and it’s easily understood why the slogan entered the pop culture quickly, but it’s easier to Mike is Gatorade: Gator: Gator Be Like commercial This is commonly this This is also commercially commercial This is also commercium Thisis Thisis Thisisthis Thisisth Thisisthis Thisit Thisit thisit thisith thisist thisisthis thisist thisitthis thisistthis thisitthisthisitthisthisitthis Thisit’s Thisit’t Thisit’st Thisit’sth Thisit’sth Thisit’sth thisist’sth thisit’sth Thisit’sth Thisit’sth thisit’sth’s Mike is commonly known as “Mike (also referred to put another termed “Liquid”
Just Do It – Nike
For decades, Nike’s iconic slogan “Just Do It” has been consistently featured in countless advertisements across multiple languages, sports, and athlete types. Despite the variations in the commercials themselves, the final message has remained unchanged since its initial release in the late ’80s: Just Do It.
I’m Lovin’ It – McDonalds
The primary function that it performs is simply called “Catch” or “Bah-Bah,” while the secondary function is known as “Giant.” In other words, everyone recognizes its primary function as “Catch,” which is deeply ingrained in both cultures, and the secondary function is referred to as “Giant.” This means that its best feature is also called “Actually” or “Sound at the End of the Commercial.” In simpler terms, either way, it is commonly known as having the primary function.
Get Allstate And Be Better Protected From Mayhem – All State
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Bud-Weis-Er – Budweiser
If I had been there, I would have greatly enjoyed watching when this concept was presented. In terms of something so simple yet extraordinarily complex, Budweiser aired a mid-’90s Super Bowl advertisement featuring three frogs sitting in a swamp. One of them says “bud,” another says “weis,” and the third occasionally says “er” in various orders. For just thirty seconds, it remains one of the most famous Super Bowl commercials to this day.
How Many Licks – Tootsie Pop
In 1969, Tootsie Pop released the first “How Many Licks” commercial, which became iconic. Thirty years later, Lil’ Kim referenced it in the title of a song. The original concept was straightforward: a young boy asks different animals how many licks does it take to reach the center of a Tootsie Pop. Since everyone nibbles on the center before licking their way there, no one is quite sure. This joke continues to be popular and amusing on television.
Real Men Of Genius – Bud Light
If you produce over 200 advertisements centered around a single idea or spend over $30 million annually on short radio ads with the same theme, it’s clear you’ve hit upon something brilliant – that’s what Bud Light achieved in the late ’90s with their Real Men Of Genius series. Each ad showcases the lead singer of Survivor honoring underrated men, such as poor toupee wearers and wrestling costume designers. They even reached such popularity that Anheuser-Busch released a compilation CD of the best ones and organized a comedy tour.
Betcha Can’t Eat Just One – Lay’s
To find out how long Lay’s has been using its “Betcha Can’t Eat Just One” slogan, here’s an interesting tidbit: The catchphrase gained prominence in a series of advertisements and print materials starring Bert Lahr, who portrayed the Cowardly Lion in The Wizard of Oz. Born in the 1800s, his humorous skits, frequently involving intricate costumes, were extremely popular in the 1960s. Modernized versions have also resonated with newer generations.
Once You Pop, You Can’t Stop – Pringles
In the mid ’90s, Pringles introduced their slogan “Once You Pop, You Can’t Stop” in a series of ads filled with the exuberance typical of that time period. With their use of bright colors, rollerblading, and quirky dance moves, they perfectly captured the essence of the era. However, what truly made an impact was the catchy phrase itself, which gained popularity thanks to the unique cylindrical tube packaging for the chips, a departure from other snack options that added to the overall immersive experience.
He Likes It, Hey Mikey! – Life Cereal
A popular advertisement showcased a fussy little boy named Mikey who initially refused to eat a healthy cereal. Surprisingly, he enjoyed it, prompting his older brother to exclaim “He likes it! Hey Mikey!” This ad became so successful that it ran for twelve years without any updates until the original actor was in college.
This Bud’s For You – Budweiser
Budweiser and its extensive line of products have produced countless commercials and popular phrases over the years. However, there’s nothing as straightforwardly perfect as the phrase “This Bud’s For You.” It can be spoken aloud, written in text, or presented as a catchy tune, but it’s clear, simple, and instantly recognizable as The King of Beers.
Not Happy, Jan – Australian Yellow Pages
The phrase “Not happy, Jan!” is not exclusive to the United States; it also entered common usage in Australia around the year 2000. In a Yellow Pages commercial, a business manager calls out to an employee (Jan) asking about an advertisement she was supposed to place. Instead of admitting she didn’t do it, Jan runs away, prompting her boss to shout “Not Happy, Jan!”. The specific tone of her voice used in this scenario has remained memorable and the phrase is still commonly used in Australia today.
I Don’t Always Drink Beer, But When I Do, I Prefer Dos Equis – Dos Equis
In the mid 2000s, Dos Equis hit gold with a series of commercials featuring “The Most Interesting Man in the World.” Each ad showcased character actor Jonathan Goldsmith embarking on various thrilling journeys, narrated by Will Lyman. At the end, he would say, “I don’t always drink beer, but when I do, I prefer Dos Equis,” which seemed like a casual endorsement, making it feel very cool. The commercials ran for over a decade.
Where’s The Beef? – Wendy’s
You know an advertising slogan has really made it when people start using it outside the context of the original ad. That’s what happened to “Where’s The Beef?” in the 1980s when it became a euphemism for anything that lacked substance or didn’t fulfill its promise. Given its almost immediate overexposure, Wendy’s went in another direction with its advertising within just a few years, but not before it filmed a bunch of fun commercials, sold a ton of merchandise and helped convince Americans that its burger, which it modestly called a single, was bigger and beefier than the competitors.
You’re Not You When You’re Hungry – Snickers
Effective commercials often manage to be amusing while still conveying a clear marketing message that resonates with viewers, and the Snickers ads have consistently achieved this balance. In these advertisements, ordinary activities are disrupted by the sudden appearance of a celebrity who behaves in character, even when it’s incongruous with the situation at hand. For instance, a person playing football might be replaced by Betty White, who would act like an elderly woman, causing criticism. After consuming a Snickers bar, they would revert back to their original self because, as many can attest, hunger can cause you to behave uncharacteristically.
Taste The Rainbow – Skittles
The majority of advertisements on this list aim for humor or relatability. However, Skittles commercials take a different approach. Embracing the catchphrase “Taste The Rainbow,” they strive to be as peculiar as possible, showcasing unusual visuals such as milking a giraffe or scenarios like botched transplants. Occasionally, they subtly alter the phrase to things like “harvest” or “mob” the rainbow, but the underlying tone remains consistent. They are distinctively eerie yet memorable, leaving an indelible mark on Skittles’ brand.
Easy, Breezy, Beautiful. CoverGirl – CoverGirl
Over the years, CoverGirl has experimented with various marketing strategies and slogans, yet none have reached the legendary status of Easy, Breezy, Beautiful. CoverGirl. Many successful campaigns adopted a similar structure, showcasing famous faces sporting diverse looks, exuding joy at every turn. Typically, these advertisements culminated in scenes where they would exclaim “Easy, Breezy, Beautiful. CoverGirl.”
Maybe She’s Born With It, Maybe It’s Maybelline – Maybelline
Maybelline’s approach in advertising isn’t typically about showcasing heavy use of makeup. Instead, they subtly demonstrate its application, making it hard for viewers to tell if a woman is wearing any at all. The ads often feature well-known celebrities or models, and the final scenes usually carry Maybelline’s famous tagline. However, the delivery style and tone of this tagline can vary greatly depending on the mood the ad aims to create.
The Quicker Picker Upper – Bounty
One effective way to rephrase this could be: Advertisers yearn for a concise phrase that’s easy to say and clearly communicates both what a product is and what it does – Bounty has achieved this gold standard with “The Quicker Picker Upper.” This catchy tagline, which has been used in numerous commercials over the years, perfectly sums up the product. It would come as quite a surprise if they ever part ways with it.
Call JG Wentworth, 877-CASH-NOW – JG Wentworth
As a company, JG Wentworth has had a lot more struggles than most of those on the list. There have been multiple bankruptcies and various other problems, but decades later, people of a certain age have a very distinct recollection of their trademark commercials and the really on-the-nose catchphrase that went with each. More often than not, they featured opera singers telling the audience if they had a structured settlement and need cash now, they should “Call JG Wentworth, 877-Cash-Now.” Something about the cadence of the words just worked, and it remains an earworm all these years later.
Take The Simon Challenge – Simon
As a kid of the ’90s, I can’t help but feel a wave of nostalgia when I think about those Simon commercials. They had this unique way of repeating the game’s name, like a backup singer, that made it stick in my mind. The most iconic example? “Take the Simon Challenge… SIMON!” If you say that today, many of us would instinctively respond with “SIMON.” Now, that’s some powerful advertising!
A Diamond Is Forever – De Beers
Over time, this ad campaign is widely recognized as one of the greatest slogans ever used in advertising and possibly serving as inspiration for a James Bond film. Originating in print and radio, it significantly influenced how people perceive diamonds. By linking diamonds with romance, it transformed diamond engagement rings into an anticipated tradition. The phrase has been recurrently featured in commercials since, frequently paired with soothing music and appealing visuals.
A December To Remember – Lexus
There are plenty of books, albums and other advertisements that have used December To Remember over the years, but thanks to some super memorable commercials and giant bows, Lexus has swooped in and taken the catchphrase. The spots are simple in concept and typically feature someone being gifted a Lexus on Christmas morning and having an extremely touching reaction. Given the price tag, the ads clearly aren’t geared toward the middle class, but they work in both an aspirational way on most and seemingly a very direct way on the type of people who can afford to buy a Lexus for Christmas.
Have It Your Way – Burger King
Over the years, Burger King has emphasized the enormous Whopper in many ads, but it’s their “Have It Your Way” slogan that has left a lasting impression on many. Originally, this phrase was showcased in a song, but nowadays, it’s often used as a concluding tagline because its meaning has become so deeply embedded that it doesn’t require much emphasis. Frankly, I can’t think of anyone over the age of six who isn’t familiar with customizing their fast food orders – and a big part of that awareness is due to Burger King and their effective catchphrase.
It’s Finger-Lickin’ Good – KFC
I’m strongly against finger-licking and a firm advocate of using utensils when eating. Despite my upbringing, I must admit that KFC’s slogan is brilliant. It effectively conveys the idea that their chicken is so mouthwateringly good you can’t resist licking your fingers, which has clearly resonated with consumers over the years, given KFC has used this tagline in almost every ad they’ve produced for many decades, whether it features the original Colonel Sanders, celebrity impersonators, or tributes from other countries to the Colonel.
Two All-Beef Patties, Special Sauce, Lettuce, Cheese, Pickles, Onions And A Sesame Seed Bun – McDonald’s
Typically, I’m not fond of catchphrases as lengthy as this one. However, there are exceptions to every rule, and the Big Mac is one of them. For some reason, it just works. I can’t say for sure how long the advertising team spent arranging the product sequence, but they definitely hit the sweet spot, and the original jingle just gives that final touch like a sesame seed on top. It seems that no matter the age, there’s hardly anyone who can’t recite the ingredients of a Big Mac by heart even today.
Don’t Leave Home Without It – American Express
Historically, American Express has emphasized two distinct ideas in its advertising campaigns. One is exclusivity, conveyed through the slogan “Membership Has Its Perks.” However, I’ve decided to focus on another idea that I believe better represents American Express: “Don’t Leave Home Without It.” This phrase, often used in their commercials, which frequently featured celebrities, encouraged viewers to think about the various uses for the card and ultimately emphasized the importance of always having it on hand.
Because You’re Worth It – L’Oreal
In the past, L’Oréal’s famous tagline aimed to challenge the dominance of beauty ads narrated by men. L’Oréal sought to depict a woman taking control of her own choices and doing what was best for her hair. These advertisements quickly became popular, and the company has produced numerous commercials and ads using a similar phrase over the years.
5-Dollar Footlong – Subway
The popularity of Subway’s 5-dollar footlong commercials is still evident today, as evidenced by the fact that one common related question when searching for “Subway Footlong” is whether they cost 5 dollars. This catchy ad and its message have left a lasting impression on its audience over a decade after the promotion ended. During my college years, I had friends who would simply say “5 Dollar Footlong” to decide where to get dinner from.
Melts In Your Mouth, Not In Your Hands – M&Ms
As a gamer, I can’t help but admire the wit behind the classic M&M’s catchphrase. It doesn’t need to mention other chocolate bars explicitly, yet it cleverly implies that they don’t offer the same quality. By emphasizing where their chocolate melts, it seems to suggest that other candies might not be as refined or versatile. Even after all these years, this tagline remains a powerful selling point, which is why it’s been a staple in so many of their commercials for such a long time. In fact, they even tailored it to suit different cultures like Finland’s “Melts In Your Mouth, Not In A Sauna.” It’s a testament to the enduring charm and cleverness of this iconic candy brand.
Think Outside The Bun – Taco Bell
Taco Bell excels in creating memorable taglines and catchphrases. For some time, they concluded their advertisements with the line “Open Late,” which is precisely the sort of detail a person heading to Taco Bell would find useful. Currently, they’re using “Live Más” which carries an inspiring tone but also sparks a craving for Mexican cuisine. However, my favorite among them has to be “Think Outside The Bun.” It’s such a refined and concise manner of suggesting that diners might want to consider something other than cheeseburgers tonight, without appearing bossy at all. Simply brilliant!
It’s clear that these catchphrases are expected to remain well-known in popular culture for several decades ahead.
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2024-09-03 23:39