# Does the word tactical have any meaning in advertisements? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [May 20, 2025, 4:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-word-tactical-have-any-meaning-in-advertisements/1018587 "2025-05-20T16:24:22Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![JeffB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jeffb/32/188_2.png) [@JeffB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JeffB)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2025, 1:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-word-tactical-have-any-meaning-in-advertisements/1018587/61 "2025-05-21T01:12:16Z")
Don’t forget the tactical turtleneck (aka tactleneck): [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/8FYJfEHOuY0/hqdefault.jpg "Archer - The Tactleneck") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FYJfEHOuY0) ---
**Author:** ![Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/13edae/32.png) [@Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stranger_On_A_Train)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2025, 1:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-word-tactical-have-any-meaning-in-advertisements/1018587/62 "2025-05-21T01:18:48Z")
I just don’t understand how Lana doesn’t advertise her black sports bra as a “Strategic Support Hardware (SSH!)” to shut Archer up. Stranger ---
**Author:** ![Kimstu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ecd19e/32.png) [@Kimstu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimstu)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2025, 1:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-word-tactical-have-any-meaning-in-advertisements/1018587/63 "2025-05-21T01:52:01Z")
> [@Little\_Nemo](#): > > > [@Kimstu](#): > > > > Scent options include “Bamboo & Teak”, “Black Linen & Amber”, “Red Cedarwood”, “Green Irish Tweed”, “White Musk”, “Glacier Falls” and “Oceanus” (I would rather not smell like any kind of anus, thank you 🤣). None of those sissy flower smells here, fellas! > > The tactical soap I referred to in the OP comes in “3 scents for the relentless warrior” - Citrus Flash Bang, Typhoon Blast, and Tropic Thunder. “Typhoon Blast” sounds like what you’d get from your Oceanus after indulging in too much Citrus Flash Bang. > [@Little\_Nemo](#): > > Oh, and it costs twelve dollars a bar. There’s a relentless warrior born every minute… ---
**Author:** ![DSeid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dseid/32/20194_2.png) [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2025, 2:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-word-tactical-have-any-meaning-in-advertisements/1018587/64 "2025-05-21T02:07:13Z")
> [@Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](#): > > because it really isn’t that great of a system for general use. Can you expand on why? ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2025, 2:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-word-tactical-have-any-meaning-in-advertisements/1018587/65 "2025-05-21T02:35:55Z")
> [@Just\_Asking\_Questions](#): > > > [@Loach](#): > > > > Tactical spork > > Does not perform as well as a regular spork, let alone a fork, but is painted black and costs twice as much. But it looks cool. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2025, 2:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-word-tactical-have-any-meaning-in-advertisements/1018587/66 "2025-05-21T02:45:50Z")
> [@carnivorousplant](#): > > I never asked my Father about that. Did he wipe with sheets of “Stars and Stripes”? > Surely General Patton used Bill Mauldin cartoons. > [Amazon.com: Tactical Toilet Paper Holder Backpacking Toilet Paperadmin Pouch Camping Roll Paper Bag Waterproof Portable Toilet Paper Roll Bag Survival Toilet Paper for Bathroom Camping and Hiking (Camouflage) : Sports & Outdoors](https://www.amazon.com/Tactical-Toilet-Paper-Backpacking-Paperadmin/dp/B0CPSC9HPT?th=1) Real tactical toilet paper failed because it didn’t take shit off anyone. ---
**Author:** ![Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/13edae/32.png) [@Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stranger_On_A_Train)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2025, 3:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-word-tactical-have-any-meaning-in-advertisements/1018587/67 "2025-05-21T03:43:12Z")
The PALS webbing adds a lot of additional weight, isn’t quick to attach and detach, and is often placed in kind of random locations wherever there is a flat spot (or sometimes on non-flat surfaces) regardless of whether it is a suitable location to locate a pouch or a good position to put extra weight. They are also typically stitched onto single thickness textile surfaces and when used for load-bearing attachments don’t really support the weight well unless the pack is stuffed full. MALICE clips and other aftermarket accessories address some of these issues but I generally feel that most use of PALS is for style rather than needed functionality. That it has almost completely replaced lighter and more functional ‘daisy chain’ webbing on recreational packs has the benefit of causing me to stick with older pack styles instead of buying new packs, at least. The one thing you can say about PALS is that it is really strong, and when used selectively (as on Hill People Gear packs and kit bags) provides really secure attachment but I see so many packs that just don’t need PALS webbing covering every surface. Overall, MOLLE as a system is an attempt at a “one size fits none” solution which results in a generally good idea (modular attachments) executed in the worst possible way with almost zero consideration for ergonomics and biomechanics. Which is why all the SPECOPS units actually eschew MOLLE standard grar and equip with Dana Designs/Mystery Ranch and Arc’Teryx packs that have proprietary load-bearing frames and use PALS sparingly. Stranger ---
**Author:** ![wguy123](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wguy123/32/3161_2.png) [@wguy123](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wguy123)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2025, 3:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-word-tactical-have-any-meaning-in-advertisements/1018587/68 "2025-05-21T03:59:05Z")
As others have mentioned, “tacticool” is a thing in my locale. Gucci is to Hollywood Hills as “tactical” is to lifted truck, coal rolling, bumper nut sporting Idaho dipshits. I prefer the Gucci idiots. ---
**Author:** ![scudsucker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/scudsucker/32/14101_2.png) [@scudsucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scudsucker)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2025, 11:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-word-tactical-have-any-meaning-in-advertisements/1018587/69 "2025-05-21T11:17:13Z")
> [@Just\_Asking\_Questions](#): > > but is painted black and costs twice as much. All the better to lose it in the dark while camping… and then have to buy another I worked in advertising; I know the tactics. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2025, 12:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-word-tactical-have-any-meaning-in-advertisements/1018587/70 "2025-05-21T12:41:06Z")
> [@wguy123](#): > > As others have mentioned, “tacticool” is a thing in my locale. Gucci is to Hollywood Hills as “tactical” is to lifted truck, coal rolling, bumper nut sporting Idaho dipshits. I prefer the Gucci idiots. I saw something cool the other day that I’ve been wanting to share, but it doesn’t really fit into any existing thread I know of. I don’t _think_ there’s an omnibus “random cool / weird shit I saw today” thread. You’ve set the stage with your post so here goes. We’re all familiar with truck nuts. So dumb. The other day out driving I saw something odd hanging from a pickup’s trailer hitch area. Two weird dangly things. I was far enough away I couldn’t quite tell what I was seeing. I finally got close enough at a traffic light. Two opaque blue things hanging that looked about like 7-11 Big Gulp cups: 6-8" tall, a narrow tapered part ~3" in diameter then a step to a larger ~5" diameter section and open at the top. With about 4 thin brightly colored tubular things leading out of the opening and up to wherever they attached to the truck’s hitch. Yep. Truck wire nuts. I had to laugh. Not exactly these, but close: **[Wire Nut Truck Nuts - Etsy](https://www.etsy.com/listing/1846395026/wire-nut-truck-nuts-trailer-hitch)** ---
**Author:** ![Alessan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alessan/32/465_2.png) [@Alessan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alessan)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2025, 12:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-word-tactical-have-any-meaning-in-advertisements/1018587/71 "2025-05-21T12:41:32Z")
> [@Kimstu](#): > > Sounds like we could go through the mall swapping out the words “tactical” and “natural” on male-marketed and female-marketed products, respectively, and achieve some interesting results. I wonder where the overlap is between “Tactical” and “Natural”. “Primal”, maybe? ---
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2025, 12:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-word-tactical-have-any-meaning-in-advertisements/1018587/72 "2025-05-21T12:42:06Z")
> [@beowulff](#): > > About 20 years ago, my boss wanted to market our product as “solid state.” I told him that I didn’t think that was a very good idea. He asked me why, and I said that it was used to describe products that didn’t use tubes, and so was very obsolete. All modern computers are solid state. It’s like describing a product as “uses electricity.” ---
**Author:** ![Cardigan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cardigan/32/187_2.png) [@Cardigan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cardigan)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2025, 12:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-word-tactical-have-any-meaning-in-advertisements/1018587/73 "2025-05-21T12:54:27Z")
I dunno, but can anyone tell me where I can buy a good set of tactical coasters so we can set drinks on our tactical doilies (band name!) without having to worry about water damaging the fragile fabric? serious response: doesn’t the term ‘tactical’ denote that something is suited for use outdoors and is either particularly durable and/or portable? ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2025, 1:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-word-tactical-have-any-meaning-in-advertisements/1018587/74 "2025-05-21T13:20:40Z")
> [@Cardigan](#): > > serious response: doesn’t the term ‘tactical’ denote that something is suited for use outdoors and is either particularly durable and/or portable? Sorta. That’s called “camping”. When you add a pseudo-military / Law Enforcement / wannabe tough guy styling, that’s when “camping gear” becomes “tactical gear”. ---
**Author:** ![Cardigan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cardigan/32/187_2.png) [@Cardigan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cardigan)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2025, 1:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-word-tactical-have-any-meaning-in-advertisements/1018587/75 "2025-05-21T13:30:16Z")
I think tactical may also suggest paramilitary utility because of having features like making sure one’s spork is nonreflective black. It would never do, after all, to get picked off by a sniper while one gives their position away by using a shiny silver spork when eating a can of tactical pudding. ---
**Author:** ![DSeid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dseid/32/20194_2.png) [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2025, 1:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-word-tactical-have-any-meaning-in-advertisements/1018587/76 "2025-05-21T13:31:41Z")
Unfortunately it isn’t a _clear_ sign that it is crappy camping gear packaged with “tactical” to sell it, like much stupid marketing can be used as. Thanks Stranger for the explanation btw. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2025, 2:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-word-tactical-have-any-meaning-in-advertisements/1018587/77 "2025-05-21T14:06:34Z")
“Tactical” means that the seller believes that adding the word “tactical” will bring in more money than not adding the word. ---
**Author:** ![Just\_Asking\_Questions](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ba9def/32.png) [@Just\_Asking\_Questions](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Just_Asking_Questions)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2025, 2:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-word-tactical-have-any-meaning-in-advertisements/1018587/78 "2025-05-21T14:07:17Z")
> [@scudsucker](#): > > All the better to lose it in the dark while camping… and then have to buy another Back when I camped more, probably in the 90s, I bought a mini Maglight for trips. It was in woodland camo. After I bought it, I realized that if I dropped it I might never find it. Yes I was into tactical before it was cool. > [@LSLGuy](#): > > Yep. Truck wire nuts. I had to laugh. OK, I LOLed out loud. I’m nut sure what they are going for, but as a wise man said, it’s such a fine line between stupid and clever. ---
**Author:** ![DaveUnknown](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/94ad74/32.png) [@DaveUnknown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DaveUnknown)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2025, 2:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-word-tactical-have-any-meaning-in-advertisements/1018587/79 "2025-05-21T14:41:42Z")
> [@Just\_Asking\_Questions](#): > > After I bought it, I realized that if I dropped it I might never find it. Absolutely! I have some mini-keychain lights scattered around the house and theyre all yellow or orange, or have light colored tape. Anything that could be put down and need to be picked up/located later is brightly colored (I still need to do this to my appletv remote). ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2025, 2:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-word-tactical-have-any-meaning-in-advertisements/1018587/80 "2025-05-21T14:42:11Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > “Tactical” means that the seller believes that adding the word “tactical” will bring in more money than not adding the word. - My experiences in Battle Shopping shows that is correct. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-word-tactical-have-any-meaning-in-advertisements/1018587.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-word-tactical-have-any-meaning-in-advertisements/1018587.md?page=5)