Glittering Generalities
Definition:
Using simple phrases that
sound good but have no real value or meaning.
Examples:
“I am the candidate for
change.”
The Acura automobile slogan, “Advance.”
“It’s new!”
A popular slogan on teacher
stationery, “Making
the Difference!”
-
Do these devices really work? Why or
why not?
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A spaghetti sauce commercial
says, “It’s
in there.” Kia
Motors claims that it has “the power to surprise.” A
room deodorizing spray claims to smell “like
the great outdoors.” Dove chocolate claims it
is an “experience
like no other.” Explain how glittering generalities
can be dangerous.
-
Politicians use glittering generalities
a great deal. Why might this be?
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Try to make up your
own glittering generality that would help promote an extreme
sport convention.
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Propel Water sells itself as
the fitness water. Its current slogan is “Fit has a feeling.” Can
you get even emptier and vaguer in your new slogan
for this product?
Download
a PDF file of the student handout, Glittering Generalities. |
