ENG 12 Comp 05: page 1
The Language of Advertising Claims
by Jeffrey Schrank
In the essay that follows, Jeffrey Schrank gives a list of the techniques advertisers employ to
make claims for their products. Written by a teacher, this selection should serve as a tool: its
classification of advertisers' promises and claims can be used to analyze and evaluate the
fairness of the language in many ads. As you read it, consider additional ad claims that fit within
each of Schrank's categories.
Students, and many teachers, are notorious believers in their immunity to advertising. These
naive inhabitants of consumerland believe that advertising is childish, dumb, a bunch of lies,
and influences only the vast hordes of the less sophisticated. Their own purchases are made
purely on the basis of value and desire, with advertising playing only a minor supporting role.
They know about Vance Packard and his "hidden persuaders" and the adwriter's psychosell and
bag of persuasive magic. They are not impressed.
Advertisers know better. Although few people admit to being greatly influenced by ads, surveys
and sales figures show that a well-designed advertising campaign has dramatic effects. A
logical conclusion is that advertising works below the level of conscious awareness and it works
even on those who claim immunity to its message. Ads are designed to have an effect while
being laughed at, belittled, and all but ignored.
A person unaware of advertising's claim on him or her is precisely the one most defenseless
against the adwriter's attack. Advertisers delight in an audience which believes ads to be
harmless nonsense, for such an audience is rendered defenseless by its belief that there is no
attack taking place. The purpose of a classroom study of advertising is to raise the level of
awareness about the persuasive techniques used in ads. One way to do this is to analyze ads in
microscopic detail. Ads can be studied to detect their psychological hooks, they can be used to
gauge values and hidden desires of the common person, they can be studied for their use of
symbols, color, and imagery. But perhaps the simplest and most direct way to study ads is
through an analysis of the language of the advertising claim. The "claim" is the verbal or print
part of an ad that makes some claim of superiority for the product being advertised. After
studying claims, students should be able to recognize those that are misleading and accept as
useful information those that are true. A few of these claims are downright lies, some are honest
statements about a truly superior product, but most fit into the category of neither bold lies nor
helpful consumer information. They balance on the narrow line between truth and falsehood by
a careful choice of words.
The reason so many ad claims fall into this category of pseudo-information is that they are
applied to parity products, products in which all or most of the brands available are nearly
identical. Since no one superior product exists, advertising is used to create the illusion of
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superiority. The largest advertising budgets are devoted to parity products such as gasoline,
cigarettes, beer and soft drinks, soaps, and various headache and cold remedies.
The first rule of parity involves the Alice in Wonderlandish use of the words "better" and "best."
In parity claims, "better" means "best" and "best" means "equal to." If all the brands are
identical, they must all be equally good, the legal minds have decided. So "best" means that the
product is as good as the other superior products in its category. When Bing Crosby declares
Minute Maid Orange Juice "the best there is" he means it is as good as the other orange juices
you can buy.
The word "better" has been legally interpreted to be a comparative and therefore becomes a
clear claim of superiority. Bing could not have said that Minute Maid is "better than any other
orange juice." "Better" is a claim of superiority. The only time "better" can be used is when a
product does indeed have superiority over other products in its category or when the better is
used to compare the product with something other than competing brands. An orange juice
could therefore claim to be "better than a vitamin pill," or even "the better breakfast drink."
The second rule of advertising claims is simply that if any product is truly superior, the ad will
say so very clearly and will offer some kind of convincing evidence of the superiority. If an ad
hedges the least bit about a product's advantage over the competition you can strongly suspect
it is not superior--may be equal to but not better. You will never hear a gasoline company say
"we will give you four miles per gallon more in your care than any other brand." They would love
to make such a claim, but it would not be true. Gasoline is a parity product, and, in spite of some
very clever and deceptive ads of a few years ago, no one has yet claimed one brand of gasoline
better than any other brand.
To create the necessary illusion of superiority, advertisers usually resort to one or more of the
following ten basic techniques. Each is common and easy to identify.
1. THE WEASEL CLAIM
A weasel word is a modifier that practically negates the claim that follows. The expression
"weasel word" is aptly named after the egg-eating habits of weasels. A weasel will suck out the
inside of an egg, leaving it appear intact to the casual observer. Upon examination, the egg is
discovered to be hollow. Words or claims that appear substantial upon first look but disintegrate
into hollow meaninglessness on analysis are weasels. Commonly used weasel words include
"helps" (the champion weasel); "like" (used in a comparative sense); "virtual" or "virtually"; "acts"
or "works"; "can be"; "up to"; "as much as"; "refreshes"; "comforts"; "tackles"; "fights"; "come
on"; "the feel of"; "the look of"; "looks like"; "fortified"; "enriched"; and "strengthened."
"Helps control dandruff symptoms with regular use." The weasels include "helps control," and
possibly even "symptoms" and "regular use." The claim is not "stops dandruff."
"Leaves dishes virtually spotless." We have seen so many ad claims that we have learned to
tune out weasels. You are supposed to think "spotless," rather than "virtually" spotless.
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"Only half the price of many color sets." "Many" is the weasel. The claim is supposed to give the
impression that the set is inexpensive.
"Tests confirm one mouthwash best against mouth odor."
"Hot Nestlés cocoa is the very best." Remember the "best" and "better" routine.
"Listerine fights bad breath." "Fights," not "stops."
"Lots of things have changed, but Hershey's goodness hasn't." This claim does not say that
Hershey's chocolate hasn't changed.
"Bacos, the crispy garnish that tastes just like its name."
2. THE UNFINISHED CLAIM
The unfinished claim is one in which the ad claims the product is better, or has more of
something, but does not finish the comparison.
"Magnavox gives you more." More what?
"Anacin: Twice as much of the pain reliever doctors recommend most." This claim fits in a
number of categories but it does not say twice as much of what pain reliever.
"Excedrin starts working 30 minutes faster." Faster than what?
"Coffee-mate gives coffee more body, more flavor." Also note that "body" and "flavor" are
weasels.
"You can be sure if it's Westinghouse." Sure of what?
“Oral-B toothbrushes clean teeth 15% better." Better than what?
"Ford LTD--700% quieter."
When the FTC asked Ford to substantiate this claim, Ford revealed that they meant the inside
of the Ford was 700% quieter than the outside.
3. THE "WE'RE DIFFERENT AND UNIQUE" CLAIM
This kind of claim states that there is nothing else quite like the product being advertised. For
example, if Schlitz would add pink food coloring to its beer they could say, "There's nothing like
new pink Schlitz." The uniqueness claim is supposed to be interpreted by readers as a claim to
superiority.
"There's no other mascara like it."
"Only Doral has this unique filter system."
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"Cougar is like nobody else's car."
"Either way, liquid or spray, there's nothing else like it."
"If it doesn't say Goodyear, it can't be polyglas." "Polyglas" is a trade name copyrighted by
Goodyear. Goodrich or Firestone could make a tire exactly identical to the Goodyear one and
yet couldn't call it "polyglas"--a name for fiberglass belts.
"Only Zenith has chromacolor." Same as the "polyglas" gambit. Admiral has solarcolor and RCA
has accucolor.
4. THE "WATER IS WET" CLAIM
"Water is wet" claims say something about the product that is true for any brand in that product
category, (for example, "Schrank's water is really wet.") The claim is usually a statement of fact,
but not a real advantage over the competition.
"Mobil: the Detergent Gasoline." Any gasoline acts as a cleaning agent.
"Great Lash greatly increases the diameter of every lash."
"Rheingold, the natural beer." Made from grains and water as are other beers.
"SKIN smells differently on everyone." As do many perfumes.
5. THE "SO WHAT" CLAIM
This is the kind of claim to which the careful reader will react by saying "So What?" A claim is
made which is true but which gives no real advantage to the product. This is similar to the
"water is wet" claim except that it claims an advantage which is not shared by most of the other
brands in the product category.
"Geritol has more than twice the iron of ordinary supplements." But is twice as much beneficial
to the body?
"Campbell's gives you tasty pieces of chicken and not one but two chicken stocks." Does the
presence of two stocks improve the taste?
"Strong enough for a man but made for a woman." This deodorant claims says only that the
product is aimed at the female market.
6. THE VAGUE CLAIM
The vague claim is simply not clear. This category often overlaps with others. The key to the
vague claim is the use of words that are colorful but meaningless, as well as the use of
subjective and emotional opinions that defy verification. Most contain weasels.
"Lips have never looked so luscious." Can you imagine trying to either prove or disprove such a
claim?
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"Its deep rich lather makes hair feel good again."
"For skin like peaches and cream."
"The end of meatloaf boredom."
"Take a bite and you'll think you're eating on the Champs Elysées."
"Winston tastes good like a cigarette should."
"The perfect little portable for all around viewing with all the features of higher priced sets."
"Fleishman's makes sensible eating delicious."
7. THE ENDORSEMENT OR TESTIMONIAL
A celebrity or authority appears in an ad to lend his or her stellar qualities to the product.
Sometimes the people will actually claim to use the product, but very often they don't. There are
agencies surviving on providing products with testimonials.
"Joan Fontaine throws a shot-in-the-dark party and her friends learn a thing or two."
"Darling, have you discovered Masterpiece? The most exciting men I know are smoking it." (Eva
Gabor)
"Vega is the best handling car in the U.S." This claim was challenged by the FTC, but GM
answered that the claim is only a direct quote from Road and Track magazine.
8. THE SCIENTIFIC OR STATISTICAL CLAIM
This kind of ad uses some sort of scientific proof or experiment, very specific numbers, or an
impressive sounding mystery ingredient.
"Wonder Break helps build strong bodies 12 ways." Even the weasel "helps" did not prevent the
FTC from demanding this ad be withdrawn. But note that the use of the number 12 makes the
claim far more believable than if it were taken out.
"Easy-Off has 33% more cleaning power than another popular brand." "Another popular brand"
often translates as some other kind of oven cleaner sold somewhere. Also the claim does not
say Easy-Off works 33% better.
"Special Morning--33% more nutrition." Also an unfinished claim.
"Certs contains a sparkling drop of Retsyn."
"ESSO with HTA."
"Sinarest. Created by a research scientist who actually gets sinus headaches."
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9. THE "COMPLIMENT THE CONSUMER" CLAIM
This kind of claim butters up the consumer by some form of flattery.
"We think a cigar smoker is someone special."
"If what you do is right for you, no matter what others do, then RC Cola is right for you."
"You pride yourself on your good home cooking...."
"The lady has taste."
10. THE RHETORICAL QUESTION
This technique demands a response from the audience. A question is asked and the viewer or
listener is supposed to answer in such a way as to affirm the product's goodness.
"Shouldn't your family be drinking Hawaiian Punch?"
"What do you want most from coffee? That's what you get most from Hills."
"Can you save money by switching to Geico? Do woodchucks chuck wood?"
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WRITING ASSIGNMENT: ADVERTISING ANALYSIS ESSAY
ASSIGNMENT: Write an essay in which you analyze an advertisement (magazine ad or TV
commercial from the Internet). You will utilize the ten basic advertising claims/techniques in
analyzing your ad, giving specific examples from the ad itself as support.
You must utilize a thesis statement, and provide plenty of support the points you make. You
should also use several of the strategies for making your writing more real. These include:
details, concrete language, vivid verbs, analogies, and examples. Also remember to utilize
transitions, and make sure your paragraphs have unity.
PURPOSE:
To show how an advertisement use three or more of the ten basic claims in order
to persuade readers/viewers to buy the product.
AUDIENCE:
Peers and instructor
LENGTH:
Five paragraphs
750-1000 words
FORMAT:
MLA (Modern Language Association): font Times New Roman; font size 12; 1”
margins all around; double-spaced; title; heading in upper-left corner; page
numbers with last name in header; original title; etc.
NOTE: Remember to say more about less: limit your topic to three or so claims/techniques.
PREWRITING: Complete your choice of prewriting in the space below (list, web, outline, etc.).
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WRITING PROCESS CHECKLIST
____1. I have chosen and limited a topic, keeping in mind my audience and purpose.
____2. I have utilized a form of prewriting to generate ideas for my topic and plan.
____3. I have written a thesis statement for my essay that states the main idea.
____4. I have composed a first draft (rough draft) utilizing strategies to make my
writing more real. These include: details, concrete language, vivid verbs, analogies,
and examples.
____5. I have revised my first draft’s content to make sure there are enough details,
examples, and support for all of my ideas. The result of my improvements is my second
draft.
____6. I have edited my second draft by checking mechanics--looking for punctuation,
spelling, grammatical, and word choice errors.
____7. I have written a final draft based on my editing.
____8. I have utilized proper MLA format: font Times New Roman; font size 12; 1”
margins all around; double-spaced; heading in upper-left corner, original title, etc.
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REVISION SHEET
1. What is the thesis statement of this essay? Underline it with a pencil on the essay.
2. Does the paper have a complete introduction (attention getter, general discussion of
topic, thesis statement)? If not, explain.
3. What are the main points of the essay? Briefly name them.
4. Are the main points supported with enough examples, evidence, and details? Explain.
5. Does the paper “flow”—in other words, do the points fit together smoothly with the use of
transitions, or are the thoughts scattered? Note any areas of concern.
6. Does the paper have an effective conclusion? Does it “re-cap” the main points,
emphasize the thesis statement in different words, and circle back to the introduction?
Explain.
7. Are there any mechanical errors—spelling, punctuation? If so, mark them on the paper.
Are there any grammar or sentence problems? If so, mark them on the paper.
8. What part of this essay did you like best or find most effective? Explain and use
examples.
9. What changes would you recommend to improve this essay? Explain.
10. Check the format. Is it MLA style? Is it correct? Heading, margins, spacing, page
numbers, title, etc.? Mark areas of concern on the paper.
ENG 12 Comp 05: page 10
ESSAY RUBRIC
Criteria
The claim
Textual evidence
backing your
claim
Organization
4 Very Effective 3
I make a claim/state
a thesis and explain
it.
Textual examples
show clear
understanding, are
explained, and back
up my claims.
My writing has an
engaging opening,
an informative
middle and a
satisfying
conclusion.
Voice and tone
It sounds like I care
about my argument.
I show readers how
I think and feel
about it.
Word choice
The words I use are
interesting and
wide-ranging. They
convey my ideas
clearly.
My sentences are
clear, complete, and
of varying lengths.
Sentence fluency
Conventions
I use correct
grammar, spelling,
and punctuation.
Effective 2
I make a claim/state
a thesis but don't
explain it.
Evidence given but
connection is
unclear or examples
are not fully
explained.
My writing has a
beginning, middle
and end. The parts
are there, but they
don’t make a reader
want to keep
reading.
My tone is
appropriate, but my
paper could have
been written by
anyone. I need to
tell more about how
I think and feel.
I make routine word
choices with only
occasionally
interesting word
choices.
I have wellconstructed
sentences.
I generally use
correct conventions.
I have a couple of
errors I should fix.
Needs Work
1
Missed It
My claim is buried,
confused, and/or
unclear.
Evidence is
irrelevant or
connection is
confusing and
explanation lacking.
My writing is
organized but
sometimes gets off
topic.
I don't say what my
argument or claim
is.
I do not cite
convincing evidence
in support of my
claim.
My writing is bland
or generic. There is
either no hint of the
real me in it, or it
sounds like I'm a
fake.
My writing is too
formal or too
informal. It sounds
like I don't like the
topic of the essay.
The words I use are
often dull or sound
like I am trying too
hard to impress
readers.
My sentences are
sometimes
awkward, and/or my
essay contains runons and fragments.
I have enough errors
in my essay to
distract a reader.
I use the same
words repeatedly.
Some words I use
may be confusing to
a reader.
Many run-ons,
fragments and
awkward phrasings
make my essay hard
to read.
Numerous errors
make my paper hard
to read.
My writing is
aimless and
disorganized.
ENG 12 Comp 05: page 11
Jake Doe
Instructor Jones
Senior Composition
25 May 2020
Off to the Poorhouse
“FRAAAANK!!!” Not the first word choice for someone who bought a losing lottery scratch
ticket; especially if the anticipated winnings were going to be used for retirement. In this TV commercial,
a blonde baby boy wearing a white onesie sits in a highchair in the middle of an aisle at a gas station. A
gray-haired man stands at the counter eagerly scratching off a lottery ticket. The blonde boy is the wellknown “E*Trade baby.” He introduces the TV audience to the man next to him as his friend, Frank, and
sarcastically refers to Frank’s retirement plan, a.k.a. lottery ticket; in the process Frank scratches away the
first portion of his ticket, revealing one golden crown. The baby explains that Frank should go to
E*Trade because he can use their “killer tools” to help him “nail a retirement plan that’s fiiieeeerce.”
Frank proudly states that he has uncovered a second golden crown, leaving only one more square to
scratch before he wins. In a “glass half empty” attitude, the baby informs Frank that the chance of
winning is the same as the chance he’d be mauled by a polar bear and a grizzly bear in the same day.
Frank vigorously scratches away the last piece of his ticket, eager to reveal the third golden crown he’s so
sure is there. As he pulls his hand away from the completely scratched ticket he exclaims,
“FRAAAANK!!!”—even though that’s probably not what he was thinking—and his baby friend says,
“Oh wow. You didn’t win. I wanna show you something—it’s my shocked face.” He proceeds to
squinch up his face, looking like he’s eating an invisible popsicle, his eyes swelled up to the size of
saucers, and lets loose a sarcastic “Whaaaaaa!” to rub in the feeling of defeat. Then the scene cuts to a
company logo and an announcer says, “Get a retirement plan that works—at E*Trade.”
This ad is very vague, in general. The company’s name, E*Trade, is only brought up once during
the conversation between the actors, and then again at the very end. If it wasn’t for the well-known baby,
you probably wouldn’t know what it was an ad for. If you have been living under a rock for the last few
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years and you don’t know about the E*Trade baby, you need to pay close attention to this entire
commercial, because you’re only going to hear it once. The company isn’t the only vague part of this ad;
there isn’t much of a claim about what they even do! There are some “killer tools” that “help nail a
retirement plan,” but it doesn’t state how. Not only is this a vague claim, but it also uses the weasel word
“help.” So E*Trade will help you get the plan, but what exactly does that mean? Is it purely investments
they do, or banking, or insurance? This vagueness may be just enough to get people to E*Trade’s website
to find the answers. The claims used may be vague, but that’s not all the trickery they use.
There is a humorous statistical claim, but again, it’s not even about the company: The odds of
Frank winning the lottery are the same as him being mauled by two bears in one day. It’s all about the
situation in the ad and not about the company or what the company does. E*Trade associates itself with
peoples’ need for security, thereby intensifying the claim that people should use them to get a retirement
plan that works. The intensification puts the gears in motion; retirement plans shouldn’t be left for the
last minute, and people should use E*Trade to set up their retirement. If that’s not convincing enough,
they use pitches to get people’s attention and make them think even more about what they will do after
they stop working.
As Frank tries to scratch his way in to retirement, the baby advises him to go to E*Trade to secure
a plan and not leave it up to chance. Again, just a split second of the commercial dedicated to the
company’s service. Lastly, the announcer says, “Get a retirement plan that works.” As if other plans
don’t! He is trying to get a response and get people on the E*Trade site. The trigger word “get” flicks
the proverbial switch in people’s minds to go to E*Trade for their financial security. By this point the
advertisers figure most people are convinced E*Trade is the best way to retire comfortably. Clearly
E*Trade is different and unique, right? But think about the ad before passing judgment.
At best, this particular ad is a vague, intensifying, statistical, attention-getting, response-seeking
weasel. When it comes down to it, these techniques are subtle, but they work. They aren’t the best
techniques, and as a matter of fact, when they are the main focus, some are actually pretty bad. But guess
what? They work. Between the cute, verbally gifted baby—hey, a baby that can speak that well; the
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little poop machine is gifted, so just admit it—and Frank’s attempt to coast through his golden years, it’s
bound to be one of the funniest ads for some time. Even though it’s light in the information department,
it is memorable. And that, in the advertising world, makes it a success.