The 1970s were a time of unforgettable jingles, slogans, and commercials that became etched in our memories. Whether we were watching Saturday morning cartoons, primetime shows, or the evening news, these catchphrases were as much a part of the decade as bell-bottoms and disco. Some of these phrases still echo today, bringing a flood of nostalgia and a smile to our faces.
1. “Have it your way.” – Burger King
This catchy slogan from Burger King invited customers to customize their burgers however they liked, a revolutionary idea at the time. It became an anthem of freedom and choice that’s still remembered decades later.
2. “I can’t believe I ate the whole thing.” – Alka-Seltzer
This hilarious line from a famous Alka-Seltzer commercial captured the regret and humor of overindulgence. It became so iconic that it still gets referenced when someone eats too much.
3. “You deserve a break today.” – McDonald’s
McDonald’s hit the jackpot with this feel-good slogan, promising a moment of rest and indulgence. It became synonymous with taking a break and enjoying a quick, satisfying meal.
4. “When E.F. Hutton talks, people listen.” – E.F. Hutton
This phrase made E.F. Hutton one of the most talked-about financial firms of the 70s. The ads were unforgettable, with the dramatic pause that followed this line, making people believe that this company was where you needed to invest.
5. “Plop, plop, fizz, fizz, oh what a relief it is.” – Alka-Seltzer
Alka-Seltzer didn’t just make a comeback with one classic line in the 70s—it gave us another unforgettable catchphrase with its “plop, plop, fizz, fizz” jingle. This simple, catchy tune turned a remedy for heartburn into a cultural phenomenon.
6. “Mmm, mmm, good!” – Campbell’s Soup
This slogan is the very definition of comfort food. It was pure simplicity that worked wonders, and its catchy nature made Campbell’s Soup a staple in homes across the country.
7. “It’s the real thing.” – Coca-Cola
Though Coca-Cola had used other slogans in the past, “It’s the real thing” hit just right in the 70s. It became a message of authenticity and enjoyment, tying the brand to genuine moments of happiness.
8. “I’m not a doctor, but I play one on TV.” – Vicks
In this clever ad, actor Peter Barlow played the role of a doctor to convince viewers of the power of Vicks VapoRub. The phrase became so famous that it’s still referenced when people try to offer advice on things they’re not experts in.
9. “The quicker picker-upper.” – Bounty
Bounty’s tagline promised an efficient and fast way to clean up life’s messes, and it stuck. This slogan became the gold standard for paper towels, and Bounty’s reputation as the “quicker picker-upper” remains unmatched.
10. “Look ma, no cavities!” – Crest
This tagline from Crest toothpaste’s commercial was a classic celebration of dental hygiene, with kids happily flashing their bright, cavity-free smiles. It had every child bragging about their clean teeth, with Crest as the hero.
11. “Nothin’ says lovin’ like something from the oven.” – Pillsbury
Pillsbury’s tagline was more than just about the tasty treats; it captured the warmth and comfort of homemade baking. “Nothin’ says lovin’” became a hallmark phrase, evoking images of family and togetherness.
12. “It keeps going, and going, and going.” – Energizer
This iconic line, voiced by a never-tiring pink bunny, made Energizer the battery of choice for those who needed long-lasting power. The bunny and the slogan became synonymous with durability and energy, and they’ve stuck with us ever since.
13. “Oh, I’d love to be an Oscar Meyer wiener.” – Oscar Mayer
The Oscar Mayer wiener song became an anthem for kids in the 70s, with its upbeat jingle that made everyone want to sing along. Its catchy, happy tune turned the humble hot dog into an icon.
These TV commercial catchphrases weren’t just advertisements—they were a soundtrack to our everyday lives in the 1970s. Each one evoked memories of family dinners, road trips, and afternoons spent in front of the TV, making them unforgettable markers of the era.
