15 Cringey Brand Slogans From the Past
What once passed as catchy now feels clumsy, outdated, or just plain strange.
- Daisy Montero
- 4 min read
Advertising has always been about grabbing attention, but some slogans from the past definitely went too far. Some made you laugh, others left you confused, and a few were downright embarrassing for the brands they represented. This list brings back those slogans that probably should have stayed in the brainstorming room.
1. Pepsi – “Come Alive! You’re in the Pepsi Generation”
PepsiCo / Regal Cinemas on Wikimedia Commons
Pepsi tried to brand itself as youthful energy in a bottle. While catchy, the phrase “Come Alive” ended up being mistranslated overseas as “Pepsi brings your ancestors back from the grave.” Not exactly the refreshing image they were going for.
2. Burger King – “Have It Your Way”
Burger King Corporation on Wikimedia Commons
Meant to celebrate customization, this slogan almost sounded like customers were being difficult. It stuck around for decades, but looking back, it feels oddly passive-aggressive instead of inviting.
3. Dr Pepper – “Be a Pepper”
CF496233 on Wikimedia Commons
Dr Pepper tried to create a fan identity with this slogan. Calling people “Peppers” was supposed to be fun, but most people didn’t really get what it meant. The line ended up being confusing rather than catchy, leaving the brand message unclear.
4. KFC – “Finger Lickin’ Good”
Unknown author on Wikimedia Commons
This phrase was iconic in the U.S., where it was meant to highlight irresistible flavor. Things got awkward when translations overseas turned it into “Eat Your Fingers Off.” Instead of making people crave chicken, it left them imagining something a little horrifying.
5. American Airlines – “Fly the American Way”
American Airlines on Wikimedia Commons
American Airlines wanted to tie its brand to patriotism. The problem was that it implied other airlines weren’t “American enough.” What was supposed to feel inspiring ended up sounding more like a guilt trip.
6. Clairol – “Does She or Doesn’t She?”
Clairol on Wikimedia Commons
Clairol used this slogan to suggest women could secretly dye their hair. At the time, it was edgy and mysterious, but today it feels dated. It also pushed the idea that women had to keep beauty routines hidden, which doesn’t sit right anymore.
7. Gillette – “The Best a Man Can Get”
Unknown author Garver at de.wikipedia on Wikimedia Commons
Gillette wanted to tie its razors to ultimate masculinity. While it sounded powerful, it eventually felt over-the-top and stereotypical. Ads tied to this slogan leaned so heavily into macho culture that they became easy targets for parody.
8. Taco Bell – “Make a Run for the Border”
Gnangarra on Wikimedia Commons
Taco Bell thought this line was edgy and playful. Instead, it came across as culturally insensitive and dismissive. Looking back, it’s hard to imagine a major brand using something like this today.
9. L’eggs – “Our Hose Knows”
HanesBrands on Wikimedia Commons
This rhyme was supposed to be clever wordplay for L’eggs pantyhose. Unfortunately, it ended up sounding a little silly instead of stylish. For a fashion brand, the slogan undercut the classy image they were trying to sell.
10. Coca-Cola – “Coke Adds Life”
The Coca-Cola Company on Wikimedia Commons
Coca-Cola wanted to emphasize that it made moments feel brighter. The problem is the wording made it sound like Coke was promising something much bigger than a sugar rush. Instead of uplifting, it came across as oddly dramatic.
11. Wendy’s – “Where’s the Beef?”
Gindomarlo on Wikimedia Commons
This slogan was cheeky and direct, and it became a pop culture catchphrase. But it also made Wendy’s sound more like a critic of other chains than a promoter of its own food. Over time, the catchiness wore off, leaving the line feeling more like a joke than good branding.
12. Nike – “There Is No Finish Line”
Nike, Inc. on Wikimedia Commons
Nike wanted to stress determination and endless drive. On the flip side, it also sounded exhausting, as if the work never ends. Instead of motivating some people, it almost discouraged them by suggesting that no accomplishment was ever enough.
13. Camel Cigarettes – “I’d Walk a Mile for a Camel”
Unknown author on Wikimedia Commons
This line was meant to show brand loyalty. Instead, it came across as desperate and unhealthy, since walking a mile for a cigarette isn’t exactly a positive message. Today, it feels more like an anti-smoking campaign than an ad.
14. Sprite – “Image Is Nothing, Thirst Is Everything”
TAC PlazaMaster on Wikimedia Commons
Sprite tried to sound rebellious and authentic with this slogan. But it was ironic, since Sprite heavily leaned on celebrity endorsements. The mixed messaging made it confusing, and the line hasn’t aged well.
15. McDonald’s – “You Deserve a Break Today”
Flag: McDonald’s SVG: SilentSpike on Wikimedia Commons
McDonald’s wanted to make people feel rewarded by eating fast food. It worked at the time, but in hindsight it feels like an odd connection between rest and fries. Instead of uplifting, the line now feels like an excuse people give themselves when they don’t feel like cooking.