Slogan
SLOH-gun
/ˈsloʊɡən/
A short and striking or memorable phrase used in advertising or associated with a political party or group.
A slogan is designed for memorability and impact, encapsulating a core message or brand identity. It's often catchy and concise.
The story behind the word. The word 'slogan' comes from the Scottish Gaelic 'sluagh-ghairm,' a compound of 'sluagh' (army, host) and 'gairm' (cry, shout). It originally referred to a battle cry or rallying cry of a clan. By the 18th century, it evolved to mean a distinctive phrase used by any group or cause, eventually finding its home in advertising.
Word relationships
- Motto: Often more formal, expressing a guiding principle.
- Tagline: Very similar, often used interchangeably, especially in advertising.
- Catchphrase: A well-known phrase, often from entertainment, not necessarily for advertising.
Collocations
- catchy slogan
- memorable slogan
- advertising slogan
- political slogan
- brand slogan
Example sentences
- "A truly effective slogan can become synonymous with a brand's entire identity." A branding workshop.
- "'Just Do It' is one of the most recognizable slogans in the world, instantly associated with Nike." Discussing famous advertisements.
- "The party's new slogan resonated deeply with voters, promising change and prosperity." A political rally.
Memory hook
SLO-GAN: Think of a 'SLOW' 'GUN' fight where people yell a 'slogan' before they shoot. Battle cry.
When not to use
Don't use 'slogan' for a long, detailed statement or a complex mission statement; it should be brief and punchy.
Fun facts
- Many famous slogans are designed to be short, rhythmic, and easy to remember, sometimes even using alliteration or rhyme.
Take your vocabulary further with LangBlitz
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.