s-l-o-g-a-n
SLOGAN means a memorable phrase used in advertising, politics, or movements to capture attention and convey key messages. From Scottish Gaelic battle cry. In Scrabble, SLOGAN scores 7 base points.
7
Points in Scrabble
Base tile values • No multipliers applied
SLOGAN represents the power of language compressed into its most potent form—a verbal formula designed to lodge in memory and inspire action. From ancient battle cries to modern marketing mantras, slogans shape how we think, vote, and buy. Understanding slogans means understanding how language moves masses.
The art of slogan creation balances brevity with impact. "Just Do It" (Nike), "Think Different" (Apple), "I'm Lovin' It" (McDonald's)—these three-word formulas generate billions in brand value. Political slogans like "Yes We Can" or "Make America Great Again" mobilize millions. The best slogans achieve linguistic immortality: they outlive their campaigns to enter everyday speech. This linguistic alchemy turns words into cultural forces.
Historical slogans reveal societal evolution. "Remember the Alamo" galvanized Texas independence. "Workers of the world, unite!" sparked global revolution. "Votes for Women" won suffrage. "Black Lives Matter" confronts systemic racism. Each era's slogans capture its struggles and aspirations. Studying slogans provides a compressed history of human conflict and progress—ideologies distilled to their essence.
Marketing psychology drives modern slogan science. Effective slogans use rhyme ("Plop, plop, fizz, fizz"), alliteration ("Maybe it's Maybelline"), or rhythm ("Snap! Crackle! Pop!") to enhance memorability. They evoke emotion rather than describe features. "Because You're Worth It" sells self-esteem, not shampoo. Neuroscience shows memorable slogans activate brain regions associated with reward and identity. Companies invest millions finding the perfect verbal formula.
Digital culture accelerates slogan evolution. Hashtags function as micro-slogans: #MeToo became a global movement in two syllables. Memes spread slogan-like phrases at viral speed. "OK Boomer" encapsulated generational tension in two words. Social media rewards the pithy and shareable, making everyone a potential slogan creator. The democratization of slogan-making changes how ideas spread through society.
For word game enthusiasts, SLOGAN offers modest scoring (7 points) but reliable playability. Its common letters and familiar pattern make it easy to spot and play. SLOGAN extends to SLOGANS (plural) and connects well with -ED, -ING endings on adjacent words. The word exemplifies how everyday vocabulary provides consistent scoring opportunities. While not a high-value play, SLOGAN's accessibility makes it a workhorse word in competitive games.
"Slogan" derives from Scottish Gaelic "sluagh-ghairm," literally meaning "battle cry of the host." Sluagh (army, host) + gairm (cry, call) combined to create a term for clan war cries in Highland Scotland. This martial origin explains slogans' power to rally and unite.
Etymology progression: • Scottish Gaelic: sluagh-ghairm (host-cry) • Scots: slogorne (1513 - clan battle cry) • English: slogan (1670s - Highland war cry) • Extended: Party motto (1704) • Modern: Advertising phrase (1908) • Current: Any memorable catchphrase
Related Celtic terms: • Sluagh: host, army, crowd • Gairm: cry, call, shout • Gair: word, speech • Sluagh-sidhe: fairy host • War-cry: English equivalent
The word's journey from Scottish battlefields to Madison Avenue reflects changing warfare. As clan conflicts gave way to commercial competition, the battle cry evolved into the advertising slogan. The transition from physical to psychological warfare preserved the core function: a memorable phrase that identifies your tribe and rallies supporters. Modern slogans remain weapons—just deployed in markets rather than moors.
•The world's first advertising slogan was "Buy Pears' Soap" in 1880s London
•Nike paid only $35 to student Carolyn Davidson for designing the Swoosh logo and "Just Do It" campaign
•Scottish clans shouted slogans to identify allies in battle when armor obscured faces
"The marketing team spent months crafting the perfect slogan to capture their brand's essence."
"Every successful revolution needs a powerful slogan to unite supporters behind the cause."
Making slogans memorable
Rhyme
"Plop, plop, fizz, fizz"
Alliteration
"Maybe it's Maybelline"
Repetition
"Snap! Crackle! Pop!"
Rhythm
"I'm lovin' it"
Puns
"Every kiss begins with Kay"
Emotional connections
Aspiration
"Be all you can be"
Belonging
"I'm a Pepper"
Empowerment
"Because you're worth it"
Trust
"Like a good neighbor"
Innovation
"Think different"
MOTTO
Guiding phrase
BRAND
Company identity
JINGLE
Musical slogan
PHRASE
Word group
CRY
Shout, call
CHANT
Repeated phrase
Similar length and difficulty words
Total base points: 7 (Scrabble)
Vowels: 2 | Consonants: 4
Practice unscrambling letters to find more high-scoring words like SLOGAN