11 Brand Slogans That Sound Ridiculous Now

These once-famous slogans now sound more awkward than catchy.

Daisy Montero
November 4, 2025
4 min read

Cup of Couple on Pexels

What once worked as clever marketing now feels outdated, confusing, or just plain silly. This list looks back at slogans that made sense in their era but raise eyebrows today. It is a reminder that trends change, and so does what makes a good pitch line.

1. 1. “Finger Lickin’ Good” – KFC

This slogan was once a delicious invitation to enjoy fried chicken without shame. However, in a world where people carry hand sanitizer everywhere, it feels oddly unhygienic. What used to sound mouthwatering now makes some cringe at the thought of greasy fingers. Still, it remains one of the most recognizable fast-food catchphrases of all time.

2. 2. “Where’s the Beef?” – Wendy’s

In the 1980s, this slogan became a cultural phenomenon, even sparking political jokes. It was clever then, but today, it sounds more like a punchline than a serious marketing line. The humor that made it popular has turned it into a nostalgic relic. It’s proof that not every viral moment stands the test of time.

3. 3. “Obey Your Thirst” – Sprite

This slogan had a cool, rebellious energy when it launched in the ’90s. However, looking back, it sounds strangely authoritarian for a soft drink. The idea of “obeying” your thirst feels more like a command than a refreshment promise. What was once edgy now feels a little too intense for a can of lemon-lime soda.

4. 4. “Because You’re Worth It” – L’Oréal

L'Oréal on Wikimedia Commons — L’Oréal on Wikimedia Commons

When it debuted, this slogan was seen as a symbol of empowerment for women. Today, it can come off as overly self-important or out of touch with modern humor. The tone that once inspired confidence now feels like something you might see mocked in a parody ad. Still, it remains one of the most iconic beauty lines in history.

5. 5. “We Try Harder” – Avis

This slogan worked perfectly when Avis positioned itself as the underdog to Hertz. However, over time, the message began to sound like a quiet admission of defeat. No brand today would proudly say they’re “trying” while competitors claim success. It’s a great example of how humility in marketing can backfire.

6. 6. “Think Small” – Volkswagen

In the 1960s, this was a revolutionary approach to car advertising, promoting simplicity in an age of excess. But heard today, it sounds like a strange motivational quote gone wrong. It’s the kind of phrase that might confuse more than inspire. Still, it helped change how people viewed marketing forever.

7. 7. “Be All You Can Be” – U.S. Army

United States Army Institute of Heraldry on Wikimedia Commons

This slogan was meant to inspire people to join the military and reach their full potential. Decades later, it sounds more like a line from a motivational poster. Its once-powerful message has softened into something vague and generic. It shows how even serious slogans can lose their edge over time.

8. 8. “Melts in Your Mouth, Not in Your Hands” – M&M’s

It sounded clever back when messy snacks were a concern. Now, it feels oddly defensive, as if the brand were trying too hard to justify its candy’s behavior. People care more about taste than melted chocolate these days. Still, the slogan remains one of the most quoted lines in candy advertising history.

9. 9. “Reach Out and Touch Someone” – AT&T

In the 1980s, this slogan encouraged people to connect emotionally through phone calls. Today, it sounds unintentionally creepy. In an era that values personal space and digital privacy, that wording hits differently. It’s one of those lines that proves good intentions do not always age well.

10. 10. “It’s the Real Thing” – Coca-Cola

The original uploader was Tkgd2007 at English Wikipedia. on Wikimedia Commons

This slogan was bold and confident when it first launched. But in today’s era of countless “authentic” products, it sounds vague and overused. The word “real” no longer carries the same weight it once did. Still, it reminds us how powerful simplicity used to be in branding.

11. 11. Put a Tiger in Your Tank” – Esso

This slogan made sense in the 1960s, when bold animal imagery was everywhere. Today, it sounds more like a strange pep talk than a fuel ad. The playful tone once made it stand out, but now, it feels unintentionally funny. It’s a perfect example of how advertising creativity can lose meaning over time.