Classic Words that Stick
Posted: July 14, 2008 Filed under: marketing, slogans, taglines | Tags: best taglines, classic marketing, taglines, top slogans, top taglines 3 Comments
I love the classics. TaglineGuru.com developed a fantastic list of the best-ever taglines since 1948. What a joy to read, and to examine how each short line connects with its audience.
But further down on the page is the really good stuff. It’s a list of the best taglines prior to 1948. Some are so strong that they’re still in use today. Check out the year they were first used to truly appreciate the staying power of a carefully crafted message. You can get the complete list here: BEST TAGLINE LIST.
Celebrated Taglines Prior to 1948 |
Only you can prevent forest fires. (U.S. Forest Service) |
1944 |
The beer that made Milwaukee famous. (Schlitz Beer) |
1940 |
Look sharp, feel sharp. (Gillette) |
1940s |
Better living through chemistry. (DuPont) |
1939 |
The breakfast of champions. (Wheaties) |
1935 |
The pause that refreshes. (Coca-Cola) |
1929 |
When you care enough to send the very best (Hallmark) |
1934 |
Good to the last drop. (Maxwell House) |
1926 |
Ask the man who owns one. (Packard) |
1925 |
Always a bridesmaid, but never a bride. (Listerine) |
1923 |
I’d walk a mile for a Camel. (Camel Cigarettes) |
1921 |
Say it with flowers. (FTD) |
1917 |
When it rains, it pours. (Morton Salt) |
1911 |
The champagne of bottled beer. (Miller High Life) |
1906 |
America’s most famous dessert (Jell-O) |
1902 |
His master’s voice. (Victor Talking Machine Company) |
1899 |
57 varieties. (H.J. Heinz Co.) |
1896 |
All the news that’s fit to print. (New York Times) |
1896 |
99.44% pure (Ivory Soap) |
1882 |
Making Words Stick 
I think the most amazing thing–fascinating really–is that (most of) these taglines don’t use the product name! Nor do they directly reference anything about the product itself. For example: 57 varieties–well, of what?
When you get a chance, Patti, would you write about that? How is it that taglines connect with/to the product? How do they do that?
Thanks for the great blog! Keep writing!
I honestly had no idea that some of these were THAT OLD! Thanks for bringing these out – I think we can all learn from these classics.
I really enjoyed reading this. You are truely a gifted Wordsmith!!