catchphrase

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "catchphrase" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a phrase or expression that is popular or widely recognized, often associated with a particular person, character, or brand. Example: "The movie's catchphrase became a cultural phenomenon, quoted by fans everywhere."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The situation is much more subtle, just as it is much more subtle than the unhelpful catchphrase of the 'right to be forgotten'.

The Guardian - Tech

Before Dad's Army made the catchphrase "may I be excused sir?" famous, Ridley wrote more than 30 plays, of which only The Ghost Train achieved notable success, running for 665 performances at St Martin's theatre and being adapted for the cinema three times.

The Guardian

Try as they might to jazz it up with a dance routine or a catchphrase or a performance by Bruno Mars, The X Factor was a sinking ship.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Coogan, who co-wrote the screenplay and took a producer's role, was greeted with chants of "A-ha!" in a reference to his iconic character Alan Partridge's favourite catchphrase by cheerful members of the Fire Brigades Union.

The Guardian - Film

Berlusconi, meanwhile, owner of Italy's three biggest private television channels, sought solace in the arms of Francesca Pascale, a former television showgirl famed for co-singing a ditty with the memorable catchphrase: "If you show a bit of thigh, the ratings go up".

The Guardian

This catchphrase could be the ­manifesto for modern urban China.

The Guardian - Arts

The chilling catchphrase embodied her government's scorched earth onslaught on Britain's mining communities – and gave the green light for the entire state to treat the miners' union as outlaws.

The Guardian - Opinion

Downing Street claimed Labour had suffered a sense of humour failure and Cameron was merely using a catchphrase uttered by film director Michael Winner in an insurance advert.

The Guardian

When Sir John Hegarty saw a faded poster on a factory wall in Ingolstadt 30 years ago, he didn't realise he was looking at a catchphrase that would transform the image of an entire country.

The Guardian

He was also musical director of the stage musical Gabba Gabba Hey!, named after the Ramones' catchphrase and featuring the band's songs.

The Guardian - Music

Despite threatening to leave every year since 2013, Louis Walsh – whose hair is oddly more luxuriant and his skin tauter than ever – is the lineup's only mainstay, with T-shirts baring his catchphrase of "You're the new [insert old soul singer's name here]' becoming a Christmas must-have.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When analyzing popular culture, use "catchphrase" to identify iconic phrases that define certain characters or eras.

Common error

Avoid using stale, overused phrases in your writing. Instead, strive for originality and creativity when developing a memorable saying or "catchphrase" for your brand or character.

Linguistic Context

The term "catchphrase" primarily functions as a noun, referring to a popular or well-known phrase associated with a particular person, product, or idea. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples of its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "catchphrase" is a common noun used to describe a signature phrase or expression that has become widely recognized and associated with a particular person, character, or brand. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various contexts, primarily in News & Media. Effective writing involves understanding its nuances, such as avoiding clichés and crafting original and memorable phrases. By exploring its related terms and examining its usage patterns, one can gain a deeper appreciation for the significance of "catchphrase" in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Slogan

Refers to a brief, attention-getting phrase used in advertising or promotion, emphasizing memorability and brand association.

Tagline

Denotes a concise and memorable phrase used in marketing or branding, designed to encapsulate the essence of a product or company.

Signature phrase

Highlights a distinctive and recognizable expression associated with a particular individual or entity.

Motto

Implies a guiding principle or short expression that embodies the values or aims of an organization or person.

Pet phrase

Indicates a frequently used expression that is particularly favored by someone.

Byword

Signifies a word or phrase that is representative or emblematic of a particular quality or concept.

Watchword

Suggests a guiding principle or slogan used to rally support or encourage action.

Battle cry

Refers to a rallying call or slogan used to inspire enthusiasm and solidarity, often in a competitive or confrontational context.

Buzzword

Implies a fashionable or trendy word or phrase that is often used in business or technical contexts.

Cliché

Denotes an overused and predictable expression that has lost its originality and impact.

FAQs

How is a "catchphrase" different from a slogan?

While both are short, memorable phrases, a "catchphrase" often originates organically and becomes associated with a person or character. A "slogan", however, is typically created intentionally for marketing purposes.

What makes a good "catchphrase"?

An effective "catchphrase" is usually short, memorable, and reflective of the person, brand, or character it represents. It should also resonate with the target audience and be easily quotable.

Can a "catchphrase" become a cliché?

Yes, if a "catchphrase" is overused or applied in contexts where it no longer feels fresh or relevant, it can lose its impact and become a "cliché".

What's the origin of the term "catchphrase"?

The term "catchphrase" refers to a phrase that "catches on" or becomes widely adopted and repeated. Its origin is in the popularization and memorability of certain phrases.