The Devil’s Marketing Dictionary (or, 30 Reasons to Read Bad Language)
By Tom Chandler on Apr 10, 2007 in Copywriting, Underground Entertainment
The UK’s Matthew Stibbe writes one of my favorite copywriter blogs (and I don’t think it’s just the accent).
He recently posted the “Devil’s Marketing Dictionary Part 2 ” — a fairly hilarious look at marketing jargon, and what it really means.
Some samples:
Focus group. Feedback disguised as strategy. For example, a Volvo is an Aston Martin designed by focus group. Here’s what they said: “I like the looks but it’s really expensive,†“It would be better if had a bigger boot and four seats.†“Wouldn’t it be dangerous to drive that fast?†Survey. A series of carefully crafted questions that generate the answers the PR company had in mind when they pitched the idea to their client. Tipping point. The moment when a concept goes from being a conceit to a catchphrase. Paradigm shift. When everybody agrees with an idea that is about to be disproved.
Read the rest of the Devil’s Marketing Dictionary at: Bad Language / Devil’s Marketing Dictionary Part 2
My addition to the list?
Net 30: Don’t hold your breath.
Keep writing, Tom Chandler.




You’re too kind! :) Matthew
Matthew Stibbe (Bad Language) | Jun 9, 2007 | Reply