# Mottos/Taglines That Weren't Really Thought Out Fully **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [April 3, 2008, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mottos-taglines-that-werent-really-thought-out-fully/443814 "2008-04-03T16:39:14Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![WhyNot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/c77e96/32.png) [@WhyNot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WhyNot)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2008, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mottos-taglines-that-werent-really-thought-out-fully/443814/1 "2008-04-03T16:39:14Z")
My kid’s high school has an Einstein quote at the top of their website today. Not a bad idea, right? He was a smart guy, educated, sciencey dude. Just the sort of guy you can rely on to get your students excited about learning stuff, right? The quote: “Imagination is more important than knowledge.” For a _school_. :smack: ---
**Author:** ![Apollyon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/apollyon/32/4238_2.png) [@Apollyon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Apollyon)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2008, 9:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mottos-taglines-that-werent-really-thought-out-fully/443814/2 "2008-04-03T21:54:17Z")
[MidAmerican Energy](http://www.midamericanenergy.com/): “Obsessively, relentlessly at your service.” Who thought “obsessive” was a good thing for a business slogan? It sounds more like stalking than a business strategy. 🙂 _Ring, Ring, Ring_ **Customer:** What?! Whadda want? It’s 3am!! **Service Rep:** This is MidAmerican Energy. Is your power working? 😃 ---
**Author:** ![matt\_mcl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/7ab992/32.png) [@matt\_mcl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/matt_mcl)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2008, 11:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mottos-taglines-that-werent-really-thought-out-fully/443814/3 "2008-04-03T23:20:14Z")
I mentioned this recently, but the City of Ottawa some time ago attempted to find a motto to emphasize not only the city’s natural beauty but also its booming high-tech industry. Naturally, they came up with: “Ottawa. Technically beautiful.” ---
**Author:** ![Sunspace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sunspace/32/1250_2.png) [@Sunspace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunspace)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2008, 11:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mottos-taglines-that-werent-really-thought-out-fully/443814/4 "2008-04-03T23:52:21Z")
[QUOTE=matt\_mcl] I mentioned this recently, but the City of Ottawa some time ago attempted to find a motto to emphasize not only the city’s natural beauty but also its booming high-tech industry. Naturally, they came up with: “Ottawa. Technically beautiful.” [/QUOTE] Did they coin this slogan as the ugly, fast-melting dregs of the snow lay on the ground in late March? Because then, it’s true. ---
**Author:** ![aruvqan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aruvqan/32/2891_2.png) [@aruvqan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aruvqan)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2008, 11:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mottos-taglines-that-werent-really-thought-out-fully/443814/5 "2008-04-03T23:53:17Z")
McDonalds Coffee - “Its good … now” of course that must mean it was total shite before? ---
**Author:** ![Zabali\_Clawbane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/ecd19e/32.png) [@Zabali\_Clawbane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zabali_Clawbane)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2008, 12:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mottos-taglines-that-werent-really-thought-out-fully/443814/6 "2008-04-04T00:02:04Z")
The former CourtTV’s slogan is HORRID! TruTV: Not Reality,\* Actuality\*! :smack: :rolleyes: It makes me bitey. ---
**Author:** ![GameHat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/ed655f/32.png) [@GameHat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GameHat)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2008, 12:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mottos-taglines-that-werent-really-thought-out-fully/443814/7 "2008-04-04T00:02:21Z")
[QUOTE=aruvqan] McDonalds Coffee - “Its good … now” of course that must mean it was total shite before? [/QUOTE] At least they’re honest. McDonald’s still can’t compete with a proper coffeehouse, but I have to admit - they did significantly improve their coffee. I can actually drink it now. ---
**Author:** ![MsRobyn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/90ced4/32.png) [@MsRobyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MsRobyn)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2008, 12:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mottos-taglines-that-werent-really-thought-out-fully/443814/8 "2008-04-04T00:44:59Z")
I always liked an old Girl Scouts slogan: “The girl comes first in Girl Scouting.” I always thought that was rather considerate of them. 😉 Robin ---
**Author:** ![NinjaChick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/71c47a/32.png) [@NinjaChick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NinjaChick)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2008, 12:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mottos-taglines-that-werent-really-thought-out-fully/443814/9 "2008-04-04T00:55:21Z")
Royal Mail: With us it’s personal. Seriously - did no one take two seconds to think about it? ---
**Author:** ![Kythereia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/e8c25b/32.png) [@Kythereia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kythereia)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2008, 1:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mottos-taglines-that-werent-really-thought-out-fully/443814/10 "2008-04-04T01:01:14Z")
[QUOTE=matt\_mcl] Naturally, they came up with: “Ottawa. Technically beautiful.” [/QUOTE] If you’re serious, that is one of the most beautiful things I have ever read. 😃 I read about one that got shot down _real_ quickly: [the failed ‘sexy’ CNN ad](http://www.papillonsartpalace.com/cnn.htm). ---
**Author:** ![elfkin477](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/a9a28c/32.png) [@elfkin477](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elfkin477)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2008, 1:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mottos-taglines-that-werent-really-thought-out-fully/443814/11 "2008-04-04T01:02:19Z")
The Weather Channel: “We have the best weather on Earth.” And the worst too, you jerks. ---
**Author:** ![pinkfreud](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pinkfreud/32/17603_2.png) [@pinkfreud](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pinkfreud)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2008, 1:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mottos-taglines-that-werent-really-thought-out-fully/443814/12 "2008-04-04T01:11:47Z")
For many years, we Oklahomans drove around with auto license plates that said **Oklahoma Is OK.** Wow, what an inspiring inducement to come visit our fair state. It’s OK. It’s not good, it’s not great, but it’s OK. Meh. Whatever. If you say so. ---
**Author:** ![Kat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/b19c9b/32.png) [@Kat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kat)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2008, 2:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mottos-taglines-that-werent-really-thought-out-fully/443814/13 "2008-04-04T02:43:44Z")
I swear that I head a comedian once wondering what the “Oklahoma is OK” slogan beat out: “Oklahoma…beats a poke in the eye with a sharp stick”? ;D ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2008, 2:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mottos-taglines-that-werent-really-thought-out-fully/443814/14 "2008-04-04T02:46:59Z")
Not a motto, but the intermediate class in Scouting between Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. Webelos. ‘We blows’? For a bunch of ten-year-old boys? ---
**Author:** ![Terrifel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c68b51/32.png) [@Terrifel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Terrifel)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2008, 3:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mottos-taglines-that-werent-really-thought-out-fully/443814/15 "2008-04-04T03:20:22Z")
During Rush Week, one of the fraternities put up signs reading: “Life is a race. Finish first.” I suggest that this slogan was not well thought out. [QUOTE=Johnny L.A.] Not a motto, but the intermediate class in Scouting between Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. Webelos. ‘We blows’? For a bunch of ten-year-old boys? [/QUOTE] Yeah, they should really wait until they make Eagle Scout before they start in on that merit badge. Of course, as everyone should know, webelos are an extinct subspecies of bison that once roamed the prairie of North America in the millions. “Webelo” is actually a Plains Indian term meaning “it staggers but does not fall down,” in reference to the beast’s legendary stamina. Alas, the mighty herds of webelos were no match for the Winchester rifle and introduced cattle diseases, although there has been some attempt to recreate the species through careful breeding of hybrid “webeefalos.” ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2008, 3:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mottos-taglines-that-werent-really-thought-out-fully/443814/16 "2008-04-04T03:28:40Z")
[QUOTE=Terrifel] Of course, as everyone should know, webelos are an extinct subspecies of bison that once roamed the prairie of North America in the millions. “Webelo” is actually a Plains Indian term meaning “it staggers but does not fall down,” in reference to the beast’s legendary stamina. Alas, the mighty herds of webelos were no match for the Winchester rifle and introduced cattle diseases, although there has been some attempt to recreate the species through careful breeding of hybrid “webeefalos.” [/QUOTE] Do you have a cite for that? According to Wiki: > [@](#): > > The British Cubbing program used elements of Rudyard Kipling’s Jungle Book series, with the Cubmaster taking the role of Akela and the assistant Cubmaster the role of Baloo. The American program also syncretized American Indian elements, with all Cub Scouts belonging to the Webelos tribe, symbolized by the Arrow of Light and led by Akela. Webelos was also an acronym meaning Wolf, Bear, Lion, Scout. It has since come to mean “ **WE** ’ll **BE** **LO** yal **S** couts”. The initial rank structure was Wolf, Bear and Lion, with ages of 9, 10 and 11. Dens of six to eight Cubs were entirely led by a Boy Scout holding the position of den chief. ---
**Author:** ![Terrifel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c68b51/32.png) [@Terrifel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Terrifel)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2008, 3:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mottos-taglines-that-werent-really-thought-out-fully/443814/17 "2008-04-04T03:31:30Z")
[QUOTE=Johnny L.A.] Do you have a cite for that? According to Wiki: [/QUOTE] Oh, so you’re going to accept the word of Wikipedia over my outrageous lies? Fine. Next Jamboree, you can just gratify yourself. ---
**Author:** ![Nava](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/da6949/32.png) [@Nava](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nava)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2008, 3:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mottos-taglines-that-werent-really-thought-out-fully/443814/18 "2008-04-04T03:40:17Z")
[QUOTE=MsRobyn] I always liked an old Girl Scouts slogan: “The girl comes first in Girl Scouting.” I always thought that was rather considerate of them. 😉 Robin [/QUOTE] Wouldn’t she come after the scouting has been done? “Madrid con M” was a very short-lived slogan. Literally it’s “Madrid starts with an M,” which is just duh; euphemistically, and since “m” is an euphemism for “mierda” (shit)… the joke wrote itself. ---
**Author:** ![Paul\_in\_Qatar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ccd318/32.png) [@Paul\_in\_Qatar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_in_Qatar)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2008, 3:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mottos-taglines-that-werent-really-thought-out-fully/443814/19 "2008-04-04T03:41:45Z")
Was it United that had the motto “We’ll get you there?” Sort of minimalist. On the other hand I came across a box (of something) the other day with the slogan “Made Very Well in Singapore.” I like that one. ---
**Author:** ![Koxinga](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/4af34b/32.png) [@Koxinga](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Koxinga)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2008, 3:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mottos-taglines-that-werent-really-thought-out-fully/443814/20 "2008-04-04T03:50:31Z")
[QUOTE=Paul in Saudi] On the other hand I came across a box (of something) the other day with the slogan “Made Very Well in Singapore.” I like that one. [/QUOTE] Feh. They stole it from Taiwan. Elsewhere: it wasn’t exactly funny on its face, but the Texas DoT once considered putting “Friendship” as a slogan on its license plates. Texans were highly annoyed, as they felt it made us look like sissies. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mottos-taglines-that-werent-really-thought-out-fully/443814.md?page=2)