# Weasel words in advertising/packaging **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [March 6, 2017, 6:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weasel-words-in-advertising-packaging/781564 "2017-03-06T18:52:26Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![BwanaBob](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bwanabob/32/2985_2.png) [@BwanaBob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BwanaBob)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2017, 12:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weasel-words-in-advertising-packaging/781564/41 "2017-03-07T12:59:19Z")
Low sugar - often means they’ve replaced some sugar with artificial sweeteners or to be fair natural alternatives such as stevia It never dawns on manufacturers that people may actually want the product to be less sweet. ---
**Author:** ![CalMeacham](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/calmeacham/32/35_2.png) [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2017, 1:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weasel-words-in-advertising-packaging/781564/42 "2017-03-07T13:03:46Z")
Carl P. Wrighter’s 1972 book **I Can Sell You Anything** is an indispensable book on this > **[I Can Sell You Anythng: Wrighter, Carl P.: 9780345317698: Amazon.com: Books](https://www.amazon.com/I-Can-Sell-You-Anythng/dp/0345317696)** > > I Can Sell You Anythng \[Wrighter, Carl P.\] on Amazon.com. \*FREE\* shipping on qualifying offers. I Can Sell You Anythng > **[I can sell you anything (1972 edition) | Open Library](https://openlibrary.org/books/OL17952048M/I_can_sell_you_anything)** > > I Can Sell You Anything by Carl P. Wrighter, 1972, Ballantine Books edition, in English Wrighter, a former ad man, devotes an entire chapter “weasel words” Besides ones already cited, he observes that anyone can call their product “the best”, but can get into trouble if they say they are better than another product – that can be the legal basis for a claim. So they end up comparing themselves to un-named brands, or earlier versions of themselves. Also frequent is the comparisonless comparison – “Beefos is better for your dog!” Than what? My favorite one is the deceptively-worded claim where you fill in the blanks “Of American’s favorite gums, Trident is sugarless!” was an actual claim, and one where lots of people involuntarily and unconsciously added an “only” ---
**Author:** ![jjakucyk](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/3d9bf3/32.png) [@jjakucyk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jjakucyk)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2017, 1:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weasel-words-in-advertising-packaging/781564/43 "2017-03-07T13:21:40Z")
> [@Derleth](#): > > “No High-Fructose Corn Syrup”: Technically true, but completely uninteresting, because HFCS isn’t the problem. Calories are the problem, and possibly glycemic index, neither of which have very much to do with HFCS in specific. Plus, of course, a lot of foods have plenty of fructose without technically having any HFCS at all. It’s essentially the same dodge as labeling a bag of Skittles “Low Fat” or having “Gluten Free” bacon. Not saying sugar and those other things aren’t bad, but HFCS is the worst kind of sugar because of the way it’s metabolized, and in processed foods it doesn’t come with the natural fiber you get with fruits that otherwise tempers its intake. It also doesn’t taste very good. > [@Derleth](#): > > The packaging itself can be weaselly, if it’s bigger than the product by a substantial amount. Potato chips are notorious for being a whiff of salty air with some incidental fried potato bits knocking around. You realize they’re packaged that way to prevent the contents from getting crushed in transport, right? Yeah it looks like you’re getting a lot less than you should, but that air cushion is important. > [@Derleth](#): > > “Organic” is defined by law, but it’s defined such that large corporations can label their produce “Organic” and still make a profit. I’m sure most of the people who _insist upon_ “Organic” foods don’t really grasp the implications of that. I never understood why some people get so upset about organic foods. Same with the pro-GMO “all foods are genetically modified” crowd. There’s a market for food that’s raised more responsibly than you get from the factory farming system. Sure it’s not perfect, maybe far from it, but can you really argue it’s not better? It’s not even necessarily about nutrition per se, but being more responsible with land and livestock, not soaking the ground in chemicals, not indiscriminately injecting hormones, and not putting control of our food supply into the hands of some demonstrably reprehensible corporations. So if some people want that, and others are willing to supply it, more power to them I say. ---
**Author:** ![mcgato](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ac8455/32.png) [@mcgato](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mcgato)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2017, 1:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weasel-words-in-advertising-packaging/781564/44 "2017-03-07T13:24:56Z")
A few years back, Miller beer ran TV ads touting that it had more flavor than its competitor. It did not specify whether the flavor was good or bad, just that they had more of it. I had worked with the consumer testing group that did the testing of this, and I thought that they were huckster weasels. ---
**Author:** ![GoodOmens](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/d26b3c/32.png) [@GoodOmens](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GoodOmens)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2017, 1:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weasel-words-in-advertising-packaging/781564/45 "2017-03-07T13:27:41Z")
> [@Saint\_Cad](#): > > “Save up to …” Geico I’m looking at you. Yeah, the "up to 75% off!!! adverts are the worst, along with their cousin "EVERYTHING $1.00 or more. Many moons ago, I worked at a Waldenbooks (back when they…you know…existed) and we had several shelves for remaindered books and discounts. We were told that the rule was that we had to have at least one book at the marked discount or we were falsely advertising. So, as long as there was one…only one was necessary…book at 75% off, we could advertise that way. If that book got purchased, we had to replace it or take down the sign. I never knew if there was legal force to that. Still don’t. ---
**Author:** ![jjakucyk](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/3d9bf3/32.png) [@jjakucyk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jjakucyk)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2017, 1:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weasel-words-in-advertising-packaging/781564/46 "2017-03-07T13:45:09Z")
^ That reminds me of all the cheap t-shirt, souvenir, and beachwear stores in places like Myrtle Beach that were constantly GOING OUT for BUSINESS ---
**Author:** ![Blue\_Blistering\_Barnacle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/blue_blistering_barnacle/32/3386_2.png) [@Blue\_Blistering\_Barnacle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Blue_Blistering_Barnacle)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2017, 2:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weasel-words-in-advertising-packaging/781564/47 "2017-03-07T14:06:18Z")
> [@jjakucyk](#): > > ^ That reminds me of all the cheap t-shirt, souvenir, and beachwear stores in places like Myrtle Beach that were constantly GOING OUT for BUSINESS As a kid I read the Asterix books, set in Julius Caesar’s time. Our heroes hitch a ride with some Phoenecians. Upon arriving in port, the captain yells “hoist the flag”. The flag says, “Going out of business! Clearance Sale!” ---
**Author:** ![Annie-Xmas](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ecc23a/32.png) [@Annie-Xmas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Annie-Xmas)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2017, 2:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weasel-words-in-advertising-packaging/781564/48 "2017-03-07T14:22:08Z")
“According to one study”…Yeah, one study that we funded and told the researches the results we wanted and gave them big bucks to get them. And is we do that twice, we can say “Studies show…” ---
**Author:** ![psychonaut](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/psychonaut/32/4655_2.png) [@psychonaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/psychonaut)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2017, 2:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weasel-words-in-advertising-packaging/781564/49 "2017-03-07T14:26:08Z")
> [@jjakucyk](#): > > I never understood why some people get so upset about organic foods. Same with the pro-GMO “all foods are genetically modified” crowd. There’s a market for food that’s raised more responsibly than you get from the factory farming system. Sure it’s not perfect, maybe far from it, but can you really argue it’s not better? You can absolutely argue that, because “organic” is not a synonym for “more responsible”. ---
**Author:** ![jjakucyk](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/3d9bf3/32.png) [@jjakucyk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jjakucyk)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2017, 3:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weasel-words-in-advertising-packaging/781564/50 "2017-03-07T15:05:26Z")
> [@psychonaut](#): > > You can absolutely argue that, because “organic” is not a synonym for “more responsible”. The whole point of organic farming is that it “features practices that strive to cycle resources, promote ecological balance, and conserve biodiversity. Organizations regulating organic products may restrict the use of certain pesticides and fertilizers in farming. In general, organic foods are also usually not processed using irradiation, industrial solvents or synthetic food additives.” How can that not be construed as more responsible? ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2017, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weasel-words-in-advertising-packaging/781564/51 "2017-03-07T15:09:52Z")
> [@jjakucyk](#): > > ^ That reminds me of all the cheap t-shirt, souvenir, and beachwear stores in places like Myrtle Beach that were constantly GOING OUT for BUSINESS Yeah, I know of a jewelers shop that is constantly CLOSING DOWN temporarily, for refurbishment ---
**Author:** ![Gary\_T](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/3ec8ea/32.png) [@Gary\_T](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gary_T)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2017, 3:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weasel-words-in-advertising-packaging/781564/52 "2017-03-07T15:18:48Z")
I found a closeout on a tent that was labeled as last year’s model. I then went to the manufacturer’s website where the current model was touted as “updated,” so I called to find out what the update comprised. The totality of it was that the color was changed from red to blue. ---
**Author:** ![TimeWinder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/bcef8e/32.png) [@TimeWinder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TimeWinder)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2017, 3:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weasel-words-in-advertising-packaging/781564/53 "2017-03-07T15:20:55Z")
> [@Saint\_Cad](#): > > “Save up to …” Geico I’m looking at you. Stop looking at them. Their oft-repeated phrase is “Save 15% or more on car insurance,” despite the meme that “Save up to…” starts that phrase. ---
**Author:** ![JackieLikesVariety](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackielikesvariety/32/296_2.png) [@JackieLikesVariety](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JackieLikesVariety)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2017, 3:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weasel-words-in-advertising-packaging/781564/54 "2017-03-07T15:29:43Z")
last time I was in the Everything 99 Cents store (it’s at the opposite side of town from Family Dollar Store) I noticed toiletries were packaged differently than you would find at walmart _for the same brands_. I suspect this is deliberate - so you can’t easily compare if you are getting a deal or not.:dubious: ---
**Author:** ![jjakucyk](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/3d9bf3/32.png) [@jjakucyk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jjakucyk)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2017, 3:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weasel-words-in-advertising-packaging/781564/55 "2017-03-07T15:34:11Z")
^ That’s also so they can refuse to price-match, because the SKU #'s are different so technically it’s not the same product. I think Best Buy does that a lot too. ---
**Author:** ![Blue\_Blistering\_Barnacle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/blue_blistering_barnacle/32/3386_2.png) [@Blue\_Blistering\_Barnacle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Blue_Blistering_Barnacle)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2017, 3:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weasel-words-in-advertising-packaging/781564/56 "2017-03-07T15:59:07Z")
> [@Annie-Xmas](#): > > “According to one study”…Yeah, one study that we funded and told the researches the results we wanted and gave them big bucks to get them. And is we do that twice, we can say “Studies show…” Yes, we see this “time after time”.\* \*I’ve personally heard that in research (as a joke), not in advertising. ---
**Author:** ![UncleFred](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/f0a364/32.png) [@UncleFred](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UncleFred)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2017, 4:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weasel-words-in-advertising-packaging/781564/57 "2017-03-07T16:36:17Z")
> [@Happy\_Lendervedder](#): > > I seem to remember an ad that was something like “Save up to 30% or more!” I think it was an insurance company. > > What the heck does that even mean? You could save less than 30%…or more than 30%! Back when Phil Rizutto (sp?) was shilling for “The Money Store” he’d always say “Up to $50,000 - and more!” ---
**Author:** ![UncleFred](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/f0a364/32.png) [@UncleFred](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UncleFred)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2017, 4:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weasel-words-in-advertising-packaging/781564/58 "2017-03-07T16:38:18Z")
“Made with all-natural ingredients” Sawdust, dirt, and rodent droppings are all ‘natural’ ingredients. ---
**Author:** ![Colophon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f05b48/32.png) [@Colophon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colophon)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2017, 4:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weasel-words-in-advertising-packaging/781564/59 "2017-03-07T16:41:39Z")
> [@markn\_1](#): > > “Natural”. Doesn’t mean anything, either legally or logically. I guess anything that’s not supernatural is natural. Not true. There are legal definitions of “natural” flavourings etc, vs “artificial” ones. In the US: > [@](#): > > The definition of natural flavor under the Code of Federal Regulations is: “the essential oil, oleoresin, essence or extractive, protein hydrolysate, distillate, or any product of roasting, heating or enzymolysis, which contains the flavoring constituents derived from a spice, fruit or fruit juice, vegetable or vegetable juice, edible yeast, herb, bark, bud, root, leaf or similar plant material, meat, seafood, poultry, eggs, dairy products, or fermentation products thereof, whose significant function in food is flavoring rather than nutritional” (21CFR101.22). > **[Food Q&A: Just what is ‘natural’ flavoring?](https://www.today.com/food/food-q-just-what-natural-flavoring-2D80554450)** > > Q: Could you tell me the latest about "natural flavor," which now seems to be not just in savories, such as soups and salad dressings, but in everything from unsalted butter to organic yogurt? My understanding is that it is a sludge of beef... ---
**Author:** ![nearwildheaven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/90db22/32.png) [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2017, 7:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weasel-words-in-advertising-packaging/781564/60 "2017-03-07T19:03:41Z")
> [@Nava](#): > > Sadly, three of those are kind of justified. There is both candy and prepared meats that have wheat flour, and some locations process both corn and wheat so there’s a risk of contamination. > > Two other items which crop up in quite unexpected places (well, not unexpected any more after you’ve been on the lookout for a while) are lactose and soy. Four of them. Water may be bottled in a food plant as well. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weasel-words-in-advertising-packaging/781564.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weasel-words-in-advertising-packaging/781564.md?page=4)