Defining the Catch Phrase

2003-4-18 06:07:00

My Friends,

Thanks for your comments on catch phrases. I think Paul asks a good clarifying question.

"But is a catchphrase the same as an aphorism?"

Actually, there is an important difference. An aphorism is a saying that has been registered in the public psyche for many years. Some of them have root thousands of years in the past.

A "Catch Phrase" is one, usually of passing interest, created to stir the emotional body of the listener so he will be sold or affected to the desire of the one who uses the phrase.

A tested aphorism appeals mostly to the mind, even though on occasion it can be unduly used to influence unthinking emotion. When this occurs the aphorism becomes a catch phrase.

Example of an aphorism: "A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush."

This statement represents tested truth and touches on an eternal principle.

The lowest catch phrase is used by a mob such as happens when a large gathering shouts "Jump!" over and over to one on a ledge contemplating suicide. Perhaps we can call this a catch word.

The next step up is those used by protesters. "No blood for oil," is one with emotional appeal of which many protesters have little understanding of any reasoning behind the phrase.

The next step up is advertising slogans.

Example: "Where's the beef?"

There are also political catch phrases such as "selected, not elected" in referring to Bush.

Then there are also religious catch phrases.

"I found it!" was a popular one a while back.

The main difference between an aphorism and a catch phrase is that the aphorism not only appeals to the mind, as well as the heart, but you can use them in any age among many people and they will always inspire and promote thinking.

The catch phrase is not designed to make people think, but only feel.

I think Ruth has come closest so far to a catch phrase with "Shock and Awe." This is more of an advertising catch phrase than a political one and I think it was designed more as psychological warfare against the Iraqis rather than an attempt to impress the rest of the world.

Now that we have narrowed down the definition, see if you can name some more catch phrases.

By the way, a future chapter of The Immortal series will deal with aphorisms.