This is a nice piece from the BBC which lists a collection of horrible cliches and commonly, overused exaggerations from advertising.
I thought it very appropriate given the recent moves from Dove (Unilever) and Nike to adopt a more reality-based approach to their advertising.
Here are a few to get you started: (courtesy of both the writer + readers)
- Any act of male stupidity (e.g. walking across a clean floor in muddy boots, putting the dog in the dishwasher, etc.) will be met with a wry smile, not genuine annoyance/anger.
- It's OK to racially stereotype eskimos
- Driving in a brand new car leads immediately to all other traffic being kept off the road
