Advertising is all about almost lying.
Advertising’s all about, almost lying. Â You want to make whatever it is you’re selling look as good as possible. You know, put it in its best light. But you have to stick to that annoying little thorn in your side, called the truth. If you get too far away from that, well, you may sell for a bit, but the angry mobs will find you. They’ll find you in the end.
Look at that billboard of your favorite fast food place. That hamburger sure looks delicious. Now open up the wrapper and compare the two. You’ve just been zinged by good advertising. The food’s no good, but that advertising is delicious. But, that’s just pictures. Advertising’s at its best, most deceptive when words are involved. It’s almost like they’re speaking a different language. The trick is to look closely at what’s really being said. Here’s a few examples.
The local casino promises you’ll be treated like a winner. Now, what is that really saying? Like a winner? That implies you’re a loser. But it sure sounds a whole lot better.
In real estate, cozy means cramped, up and coming neighborhood means bad neighborhood, and a fixer upper is definitely a substitute for structural damage. And when your hotel offers you a complimentary breakfast, you can be sure it’s included in the price.
I mean, look around you. We put a spin on everything to make it sound better than it really is. Cheap means unwanted, overstocked mans undersold, sale means buy, save means spend, low fat means high sugar, low sugar means high fat. We’ve put some more fun translations below [on the website].
Just remember, when it comes to advertising, if it sounds too good to be true – it is.
Transcribed by: mrs876
Advertising to English Dictionary
Pre-owned = Used
Organic evaporated cane juice = White sugar
Insurance premium = Bill
Credit = Debit
Restroom = Toilet
Free shipping = Buy product
Instant tax return = Personal loan
Checks cashed = Fees charged
Talk all you want = Pay us more money
Handyman special = Needs lots of repair work
Rent to own = Pay 3 times retail
Creative financing = High risk of repossession
Child proof cap = Senior proof cap
Don’t be overcharged by others = Be charged by us
Fast funding = Quick debt
Insurance protection = Partial value recovery
Enter to win = Add your name to our mailing lists
Try it risk free = May refund money but not time
It’s all about fun = It’s all about money
Do something for yourself = Buy on impulse
Discover = Spend money to discover
You have to play to win = But when you play you’ll lose
Fashion = Planned obsolescence
Some assembly required = Tools and mechanical aptitude required
You have been pre-approved = Everyone is pre-approved
What are you waiting for = Stop thinking if you need it, just buy it
Low miles = Stored for years
Certified = Glanced at and approved
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3 Comments
Mazorkuziaki
I just wanted to comment on this to tell you guys that I've got a product you can buy risk ...Allan
haha I LOVE the "marketing to English dictionary". It's so true, too!Meandering
I'm in Advertising and I have something to say about this episode ... its true. While I like to ...