These are the top 20 most frequently used slogans in everyday conversations

Research of 2,000 adults revealed that nearly half of adults admit they recite more than three advert slogans in everyday conversation weekly or more – with one in six doing so daily.

A third have even gone as far as annoying loved ones through their overuse of slogans from adverts - with the same amount having been picked up on their use of such phrases.

But nearly a third reckon they’re more likely to buy a product or use a service if they enjoy their slogan.

Feelings of nostalgia were also evoked by thinking about adverts respondents used to see when they were younger, according to 56 per cent.

And seven in 10 have confused their children or younger people with reference to old TV slogans.

It emerged that ‘Should’ve gone to…’ by Specsavers ranks as one of the most iconic slogans alongside Tesco’s ‘every little helps’ and Ronseal’s ‘it does exactly what it says on the tin’.

‘Because I’m worth it’, ‘you either love it or hate it’ and ‘good things come to those who wait’ were other iconic phrases to make the top 10.

Quotable slogans stay in people's mind

The study, carried out via OnePoll also found 68 per cent think a sign of a good advert is if the slogan is quotable.

Respondents also had their say on what makes a good advert, with it being relatable, funny and using a memorable or catchy song being key aspects.

There was also appreciation of how difficult it can be to create a great slogan – with six in 10 believing it’s harder to get one right than it is to get it wrong.

A spokesman from Specsavers said: “The research has shown there’s a real level of affection for brand slogans and how they end up getting used in everyday life.

“It’s also been heart-warming to see the ‘should’ve gone to Specsavers’ slogan be used so widely by people on a day-to-day basis.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The brand is celebrating 20 years of its ‘Should’ve gone to…’ adverts by looking back at some of its most iconic quips.

The phrase has become a staple of British vocabulary over the last two decades – and has seen a host of memes appear after celebrities and brands find themselves in a sticky situation.

After Dominic Cumming’s ill-fated trip to Bernard Castle, where he claimed to be ‘checking his eyesight’, many social media users said he ‘should’ve gone to Specsavers’ instead.

The brand also quickly reacted to footballer Luis Suarez apparently biting Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini in a World Cup match, with a Twitter ad pointing out the difference between Chiellini and cannelloni – which was retweeted tens of thousands of times within days.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

And the phrase was used again after the flag for South Korea was incorrectly displayed instead of the North Korean flag during a women’s football match at the 2012 Olympic Games.

A spokesperson for Specsavers added: “What started as a quip in a marketing meeting has grown into a cultural phenomenon throughout the country.

“And I don’t think anyone would have thought 20 years on, it’d have been the cornerstone of the brand’s identity.

“However, it’s been amazing to see the journey and how it’s been developed over the years and used by so many in some very memorable moments.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Social media reactions by Specsavers have also become an amusing online staple, with the ‘your next visit’s on us’ quip to popstar Anne Marie following her fall at the Brits quickly proving popular with both Twitter users and the songstress herself.

Top 20 most frequently used slogans in everyday conversations

1.            Every little helps – Tesco

2.            Should’ve gone to Specsavers – Specsavers

3.            It does exactly what it says on the tin – Ronseal

4.            You either love it or hate it – Marmite

5.            Good things come to those who wait – Guinness

6.            Have a break… have a Kit-Kat – Kit-Kat

7.            Because I’m worth it – L’Oreal

8.            Just do it – Nike

9.            I'm lovin' it – McDonalds

10.          Once you pop, you can’t stop – Pringles

11.          They're grrrrreat – Kellogg's Frosties

12.          It’s finger lickin good – KFC

13.          Ave it! – John Smiths

14.          It gives you wings – Red Bull

15.          Probably the best lager ... in the world – Carlsberg

16.          Maybe she’s born with it – Maybelline

17.          Wassssuuuuppp? – Budweiser

18.          There are some things money can't buy. For everything else there's Mastercard –Mastercard

19.          The best a man can get – Gillette

20.          Have it your way – Burger King

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Specsavers' top 10 advert highlights 

2002 - Family gathered round kitchen talking about dad's lost glasses – first mention of ‘Should’ve gone to Specsavers’

2007 - Instead of a flaming the Christmas pudding, mum sets fire to the turkey.

2008 - Thunderbirds escape to safety thanks to their glasses from Specsavers.

2008 - An athlete mistakes a sandpit for the long-jump pit.

2009 - Set on Blackpool’s dizzying Infusion rollercoaster ride, it features a stalwart pair of pensioners, who inadvertently sit down on the ride to eat their sandwiches.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

2009 - With his faithful cat Jess by his side, Postman Pat is dedicated to carrying out his duties, delivering the mail to the villagers of Greendale – despite broken glasses. Chaos ensues.

2011 - Astronauts land at Luton airport instead of Houston.

2011 - A relaxing session in the hotel sauna turns to embarrassment for one poor chap as he finds himself in Gordon Ramsey’s steamy kitchen.

2016 - Basil Fawlty has issues with his car – an homage to a much-loved Fawlty Towers scene, where John Cleese beats his car with a branch.

2018 - Stage Door (Jason Shutter) Celebrity photographer mistakes his subjects for someone somewhat less famous.

News you can trust since 1754
Follow us
©National World Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice