20 Slogans From the Past That Wouldn’t Fly Today
Here's a collection of old advertising slogans that were once catchy but would raise serious eyebrows in today’s world.
- Chris Graciano
- 4 min read
In the past, marketing was bold or too outrageous at times. What used to be funny or insightful might now be viewed as offensive. Let’s take a look at a few advertising slogans from the past that are undoubtedly out of style today.
1. “Have a cigarette for your health” – Various Tobacco Brands
Stas Svechnikov on Unsplash
Tobacco companies actually pitched smoking as healthy. Doctors even starred in ads to back it up. That kind of messaging today would lead to lawsuits and outrage.
2. “Does she or doesn’t she?” – Clairol
twitchery on Flickr
This hair color ad implied a woman’s beauty depended on hiding gray. It worked back then, but now it feels ageist and appearance-obsessed.
3. “You’ve come a long way, baby” – Virginia Slims
Elana Centor on Wikimedia Commons
Marketed as female liberation, this cigarette ad tied smoking to independence. It was a bizarre message by today’s standards. Linking empowerment to harmful products just wouldn’t fly now.
4. “For men who like women who smell like women” – Impulse Body Spray
Jesus Con S Silbada on Pexels
This awkward attempt at gendered marketing feels painfully outdated. It boxed women into a specific scent and role.
5. “How do you handle a hungry man? The Manhandlers!” – Campbell’s Chunky Soup
Willis Lam on Flickr
This slogan reinforced old-school gender roles in the kitchen. Feeding the “man of the house” isn’t exactly inclusive.
6. “Winston tastes good like a cigarette should” – Winston
kallerna on Wikimedia Commons
Besides the grammar issue, it blatantly normalized smoking. The jingle was catchy, but the message is toxic — literally.
7. “A woman’s place is in the home” – Various Appliance Brands
Annushka Ahuja on Pexels
Used to sell everything from ovens to vacuums, this slogan made homemaking seem like a woman’s only destiny.
8. “Because innocence is sexier than you think” – Abercrombie & Fitch
Phillip Pessar on Wikimedia Commons
This ad stirred major controversy for its disturbing implications. It crossed ethical boundaries and would be canceled instantly today.
9. “Blow in her face and she’ll follow you anywhere” – Tipalet Cigarettes
Mid-Century Press on Flickr
Yes, this was a real slogan for flavored smokes. It mixed manipulation, smoking, and sexism all in one puff. It’s a prime example of how far ad standards have come.
10. “More doctors smoke Camels than any other cigarette” – Camel
Martin Criminale on Flickr
Using medical professionals to sell tobacco now sounds absurd. Back then, it was seen as credible. Today, it’s an infamous case study in unethical marketing.
11. “It’s not for women” – Dr Pepper Ten
Like_the_Grand_Canyon on Flickr
This soda brand thought it could sell “manly” diet drinks by excluding women. The backlash was swift. Gender-based marketing like this is now seen as lazy and offensive.
12. “So easy, even a caveman can do it” – GEICO
Mike Mozart on Flickr
This line sparked a pop-culture moment but also drew criticism for stereotyping. Though it was meant to be humorous, many saw it as reductive.
13. “I’m not a doctor, but I play one on TV” – Vicks Formula 44
Roadsidepictures on Flickr
Borrowing fake authority from actors sounds sketchy today. It blurs the line between fiction and real medical advice. In an age of misinformation, it wouldn’t be tolerated.
14. “Every kiss begins with Kay” – Kay Jewelers
Mike Mozart on Flickr
While not overtly offensive, it pressured romantic expectations through material gifts. It subtly equated love with spending.
15. “We’re not happy until you’re happy” – Various Service Brands
Jopwell on Pexels
This slogan seems innocent but sets unrealistic customer service expectations. It contributed to the “customer is always right” culture.
16. “When it rains, it pours” – Morton Salt
Roadsidepictures on Flickr
This classic tagline personified salt but is now associated with unnecessary over-dramatization. It’s still iconic, but today’s marketing focuses more on transparency than flair.
17. “Reach out and touch someone” – AT&T
Mike Mozart on Flickr
Intended to promote long-distance calls, this slogan now sounds uncomfortably personal. In the era of digital boundaries and consent, it just doesn’t land the same.
18. “Finger-lickin’ good” – KFC
Kim Wine on Unsplash
Though iconic, the phrase took a hit during the pandemic. Hygiene concerns turned it from catchy to cringeworthy. It’s been quietly phased out in some regions.
19. “If it’s gotta be clean, it’s gotta be Tide” – Tide
Guobenwei on Wikimedia Commons
While effective, this slogan implies there are no other worthy options. Today’s audiences prefer more honest, less arrogant branding.
20. “Put a tiger in your tank” – Esso (now ExxonMobil)
stickguy on Wikimedia Commosn
This wild metaphor once fueled imaginations, but now it’s just confusing. Environmental awareness has also made such animal branding feel tone-deaf.