Cough Up The Truth

Blind love, checking in, and more.

Author

The Swipe
January 16, 2025

Welcome back to your daily marketing swipe file. The best ads, served fresh daily, and as tasty as your favorite slice of pepperoni pizza. 🍕 Let’s dig in.

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‘Cough Up the Truth’ - Ricola

  • What’s happening: Ricola’s witty ad turns a classic excuse into a cough-fueled confession. The phrase “She’s (cough) just a friend” highlights how their lozenges help ensure your words are as smooth as your excuses.

  • Why it’s awesome: Because it’s hilarious, if you can’t talk your way out of trouble, at least Ricola makes sure you’re coughing for the right reasons. It’s the drama AND the cure.

‘Blind Love is No Excuse’ - Durex

  • What’s happening: Durex cleverly hides the dangers of unprotected love within “I ❀” statements, revealing shocking realities like herpes and chlamydia. The message: love isn’t blind when you’re prepared.

  • Why it’s awesome: Because it’s bold, unflinchingly honest, and straight to the point. It turns heads and teaches lessons in a way that sticks like the truth bombs in the ad.

‘Checking In? What’s Occur-Inn?’ - Premier Inn

  • What’s happening: This quirky visual play on words turns the hotel chain into a conversational icebreaker, with the receptionist’s deadpan face sealing the deal.

  • Why it’s awesome: Because it’s punny perfection. It gives a brand voice, makes you giggle, and somehow makes checking into a hotel feel like an event.

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‘Last Longer Than Hollywood’ - NYSC

  • What’s happening: NYSC hilariously roasts celebrity marriages by encouraging you to outlast them at least in fitness. They even name-drop Kanye for extra spice.

  • Why it’s awesome: Because it’s savage, timely, and motivating all at once. It’s the fitness ad equivalent of ‘shots fired,’ and it absolutely lands.

‘Fake Stripes, Real Pain’ - Adidas

  • What’s happening: Adidas’ haunting visual of a foot wrapped in bandages mimicking their iconic stripes warns against buying knock-offs. “Fake hurts real” sums it up: imitations cost more than you think.

  • Why it’s awesome: Because it’s a visual mic drop. It’s subtle, edgy, and drives home the point with pain literally. No fake can compete with the real deal.

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That’s a wrap! We hope these bold, fun, and inspiring ads gave you your daily dose of creative energy. See you soon for some more best-in-class marketing goodies!

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