Buzz
In an era with just three TV channels and no option to skip ads, advertising slogans left a lasting impression. Some became so ingrained in culture that they slipped into daily conversations, just as the mad men of Madison Avenue intended. Test your memory and see how many of these famous phrases you’ve used, even if you forgot their original context or product.
1. Give It a Shot! You’ll Love It! // Alka-Seltzer
This 1971 campaign by Alka-Seltzer, crafted by the Wells, Rich, Greene agency, quickly became iconic. The slogan transcended its origins, often used by parents to coax reluctant children into trying new foods, like broccoli.
2. I Can’t Believe I Ate The Whole Thing // Alka-Seltzer
Following the success of their “Try it, you’ll like it” campaign, Wells, Rich, Greene introduced another unforgettable slogan for Alka-Seltzer: “I can’t believe I ate the whole thing.” This line, delivered by a distressed Ralph to his drowsy wife in the commercial, was inspired by copywriter Howie Cohen’s own experience of overeating at a dinner party.
3. Ancient Chinese Secret // Calgon
While many recall the catchy tagline, few remember the product behind this iconic 1972 ad. The “secret” referred to Calgon, a water-softening powder that claimed to make laundry 30 percent whiter when used alongside regular detergent.
4. Calgon, Take Me Away! // Calgon
In the 1970s and ’80s, softer bath water was marketed as the ultimate remedy for daily stress. The original Calgon bath powder was essentially a variation of the laundry softening agent (the name combines calcium and gone), but the brand later diversified into foaming milk baths and aromatic salts.
5. You’re Soaking In It // Palmolive
Before dishwashers became commonplace, “dishpan hands” were a common complaint among homemakers. While rubber gloves offered protection, dish soap brands like Vel and Ivory Liquid emphasized their “gentle” formulas. Palmolive, however, elevated its product by comparing it to high-end moisturizers. As Madge, the wise manicurist, would say: That vibrant green liquid softens your hands as you clean.
6. Don’t Leave Home Without It // American Express
This iconic slogan, created in 1975 by Ogilvy and Mather, originally read “Don’t leave home without them,” referring to American Express Traveler’s Checks. Actor Karl Malden, known for his role in The Streets of San Francisco, delivered the serious warning. Later, the phrase was adapted to promote the company’s credit cards.
7. It’s Not Nice to Fool Mother Nature // Chiffon Margarine
Stuffing or mashed potatoes? Delicious or light? Among food debates, few rival the enduring butter versus margarine (or “plant-based butter,” as it’s now called). In the 1970s, consumers prioritized margarine that mimicked butter’s flavor, as showcased in this Chiffon margarine ad.
8. How Do You Spell Relief? // Rolaids
This slogan became a favorite punchline for comedians, who humorously spelled relief with everything from L-I-Q-U-O-R to unmentionable terms. However, the “relief” here targeted acid indigestion, with Rolaids as the solution. The brand’s commercials featured actors enthusiastically spelling relief as R-O-L-A-I-D-S.
9. Does She or Doesn’t She? // Miss Clairol
This playful and slightly provocative tagline was a long-standing favorite for Miss Clairol hair dye. (The answer, of course, was “Only her hairdresser knows for sure.”) The goal was to ensure that no one, especially not judgmental friends, could easily detect that you were enhancing your hair color.
10. Where’s The Beef? // Wendy’s
Clara Peller, a retired manicurist turned actress, unintentionally delivered her iconic line due to her hearing impairment. A year after her debut Wendy’s ad, she starred in a Prego pasta sauce commercial, declaring she’d “finally found it” (referring to the beef). Wendy’s ended her contract, leaving Peller, who misunderstood her “non-compete” agreement, to lament, “I made them millions, and they don’t appreciate me.”
11. Often a Bridesmaid, Never a Bride // Listerine
This phrase, now a common expression for someone always in second place, originated in 1925 as a Listerine mouthwash slogan. The brand later shifted from this critical tone to ads emphasizing fresh breath as the secret to marital bliss.
