Coca-Cola's Strangest Slogans Throughout History (2024)

As an enthusiast with a deep understanding of advertising history and branding, it's fascinating to delve into the world of Coca-Cola slogans, which are not just marketing taglines but also reflect the cultural and historical context of their time. The author of the article, Corey Williams, rightly points out that these slogans offer a unique perspective on American history.

The earliest slogan from 1886, "Drink Coca-Cola and enjoy it," is indeed intriguing in its vaguely threatening tone. This was the inception of Coca-Cola, and the use of the word "enjoy" carries an undertone that suggests more than just a beverage choice, almost as if it's a directive rather than an invitation.

Moving on to 1905, "Coca-Cola revives and sustains" takes a playful jab at the beverage's original formula that included cocaine. The use of such a slogan in a different time reflects how advertising messaging can evolve along with societal norms and perceptions.

The 1906 slogan, "The great national temperance beverage," is particularly interesting. It aligns with the temperance movement of that era, advocating for abstinence from alcoholic beverages. Considering that Prohibition didn't start until 1920, this slogan provides insight into the early roots of the movement and how Coca-Cola positioned itself as a temperance-friendly alternative.

Skipping ahead to 1939, "Whoever you are, Whatever you do, think of good ice cold Coca-Cola," is a fascinating example of how advertising can go beyond promoting a product to almost issuing a command. It emphasizes the idea of the brand being a pervasive presence in people's thoughts.

The slogans from the 1940s and 1950s showcase a confident and competitive Coca-Cola. "Coca-Cola is co*ke!" and "The only thing like Coca-Cola is Coca-Cola itself" assert the brand's uniqueness, directly challenging competitors like Pepsi.

The ambiguity in the 1948 slogan, "Where there's co*ke, there's an ice-cold," adds a humorous touch. It creates a sentence fragment that leaves the reader pondering what exactly is ice-cold wherever there's co*ke, adding an element of curiosity to the advertising.

The progression of slogans through the years reflects not only changes in advertising strategies but also the cultural shifts and societal values. From the patriotic "Red, white & you" in 1986 to the more recent "Taste The Feeling" in 2016, Coca-Cola's slogans mirror the brand's adaptability to the changing times while maintaining its iconic status.

In summary, exploring the evolution of Coca-Cola slogans is like taking a journey through American cultural history, with each slogan serving as a snapshot of its era. These taglines are not just advertising slogans; they are windows into the social, cultural, and economic landscapes of their respective times.