The Linguistics of Junk Food (Slang, Branding)
Decoding Junk Food Slang: From “Munchies” to “Food Coma”
Junk food culture has spawned its own slang. “Munchies” describes intense cravings, often for salty/sweet snacks. A “food coma” is the lethargy after overeating, especially heavy junk food. These terms vividly capture common experiences associated with indulgent eating.
After a late-night study session, Liam announced, “I’ve got serious munchies!” He then devoured a whole pizza and promptly fell into a “food coma” on the couch. This specific slang perfectly described his craving-fueled overindulgence and its sleepy aftermath.
The Power of Branding: How Junk Food Names Become Iconic (Coke, Oreo, Big Mac)
Iconic junk food names like “Coke,” “Oreo,” or “Big Mac” become powerful brands through consistent marketing, unique product experiences, and deep cultural embedding. These names often evoke nostalgia, specific tastes, and strong consumer loyalty, transcending mere product labels.
Sarah asked for a “Coke,” not just “a cola.” That single word, “Coke,” instantly communicated a specific taste, image, and global brand recognition. The name itself had become iconic, a testament to decades of powerful branding that made it synonymous with soda.
The Persuasive Language Used in Junk Food Advertising Slogans
Junk food slogans employ persuasive linguistic techniques: repetition (“Have a break, have a Kit Kat”), emotional appeals (“I’m Lovin’ It”), benefit promises (“Melts in your mouth, not in your hand”), and calls to action, all designed to be memorable and drive purchase.
Mark heard the jingle, “Betcha can’t eat just one!” for Lay’s chips. This slogan, using a direct challenge and implying irresistibility, was a classic example of persuasive language in advertising, designed to stick in his head and encourage overconsumption.
“Snacklish”: The Made-Up Words and Sounds Junk Food Brands Create
Some junk food brands invent unique, catchy, often playful made-up words or sounds (“Snacklish”) for their products or marketing (e.g., “Snap, Crackle, Pop,” “Whatchamacallit,” “Scrumdiddlyumptious”). This creates distinct brand identities and memorable associations.
Chloe’s kids loved shouting “Snap! Crackle! Pop!” as they poured Rice Krispies. This “Snacklish,” a made-up sound effect, wasn’t just a jingle; it was an integral part of the brand’s identity, making the cereal fun and memorable through unique language.
The Evolution of Terms for “Unhealthy Food”: From “Treats” to “Junk”
Language for unhealthy food has evolved. “Treats” or “sweets” once implied occasional indulgences. The term “junk food,” popularized in the 1970s, carries more negative connotations of low nutritional value and processed ingredients, reflecting changing societal awareness.
David’s grandmother called cookies “treats.” His own children, however, often heard them referred to as “junk food.” This linguistic shift, from a term implying occasional pleasure to one denoting poor nutrition, reflected a broader cultural evolution in understanding unhealthy food.
How Junk Food Brands Use Alliteration, Rhyme, and Rhythm in Their Names
Many junk food brands use literary devices like alliteration (Coca-Cola, Dunkin’ Donuts), rhyme (Slim Jim), or rhythmic names (Kit Kat, Tic Tac) to make their products more memorable, catchy, and easier for consumers to recall and request.
Anna noticed how many junk food names were catchy: “Peter Paul Mounds,” “Krispy Kreme,” “Chunky.” The use of alliteration, rhyme, and pleasing rhythms wasn’t accidental; it made the brand names stick in her mind, a clever linguistic trick for memorability.
The Linguistics of “Flavor Profiles” Described on Junk Food Packaging
Junk food packaging often uses evocative adjectives and sensory language to describe “flavor profiles”—”zesty lime,” “creamy caramel,” “fiery habanero,” “rich dark chocolate.” This language aims to create anticipation and appeal to specific taste preferences.
Liam read the chip bag: “Smoky Mesquite BBQ with a Hint of Sweet Brown Sugar.” This descriptive “flavor profile” used enticing adjectives to paint a vivid taste picture, making the chips sound far more complex and appealing than just “BBQ flavor.”
Analyzing the Use of Superlatives (“Ultimate,” “Extreme”) in Junk Food Marketing
Junk food marketing frequently employs superlatives like “ultimate,” “extreme,” “mega,” or “supreme” to imply superior taste, size, intensity, or indulgence, aiming to attract consumers seeking an over-the-top or highly satisfying experience.
Sarah saw an ad for the “Extreme Volcano Nacho Platter.” The use of “extreme” wasn’t just descriptive; it was a marketing tactic designed to promise an intense, over-the-top junk food experience, appealing to a desire for something beyond ordinary.
The Creation of “Portmanteau” Junk Food Names (e.g., Cronut, Doritos Locos Tacos)
“Portmanteau” names blend two words (and concepts) to create a new one, like “Cronut” (croissant + donut) or “Doritos Locos Tacos” (Doritos + tacos). This linguistic creativity generates buzz, clearly communicates the hybrid nature, and makes the junk food memorable.
Mark was intrigued by the “Brunchadilla” (breakfast + quesadilla) on the menu. This portmanteau name cleverly combined two familiar food concepts into one catchy, descriptive word, instantly communicating its hybrid junk food nature and sparking curiosity.
How Different Languages and Cultures Describe Junk Food
While “junk food” is a common English term, other languages and cultures have their own colloquialisms or descriptive phrases for unhealthy, processed, or highly palatable snack foods, reflecting unique cultural attitudes and food landscapes.
Chloe, learning Spanish, found that while “comida chatarra” (trash food) was a direct translation for junk food, locals also used terms like “porquerías” (rubbish) or specific names for street snacks, showing nuanced cultural descriptions beyond a simple equivalent.
The Euphemisms We Use for Overeating Junk Food (“Indulging,” “Treating Myself”)
People often use euphemisms like “indulging,” “treating myself,” “having a cheat meal,” or “comfort eating” to describe episodes of overeating junk food. These softer terms can lessen perceived guilt or frame the behavior more positively.
David, after eating a whole pint of ice cream, told his wife he was “just indulging a bit.” This euphemism, rather than saying “I just binged on junk food,” softened the reality of his overconsumption and made it feel more like a permissible “treat.”
The Semiotics of Junk Food Logos and Their Visual Language
Junk food logos use specific colors, shapes, fonts, and imagery (semiotics) to convey meaning and create brand identity. Red and yellow often stimulate appetite (McDonald’s), while script fonts might suggest tradition or indulgence (Coca-Cola).
Anna, a design student, analyzed the Starbucks logo. The siren, the green color – it wasn’t just a picture, but a system of visual signs (semiotics) conveying messages about the brand’s identity, even before she thought about the sugary drinks often sold there.
“Kid-Speak” in Junk Food Advertising Targeted at Children
Junk food ads aimed at children often employ “kid-speak”—simple language, playful tones, made-up words, sound effects, and association with fun or cartoon characters—to directly appeal to young viewers and create a sense of excitement and desirability.
Liam cringed at the cereal commercial using silly voices and exclaiming, “It’s Choco-riffic!” This “kid-speak,” designed to sound fun and exciting to young children, was a clear tactic to make the sugary junk food appeal directly to its target demographic.
The Linguistic Tricks That Make Junk Food Sound Healthier Than It Is (“Light,” “Natural”)
Marketers use linguistic tricks on packaging to imply healthfulness: “light” or “lite” (could mean lighter in color or texture, not just calories), “natural” (a poorly regulated term), “made with real fruit” (even if it’s a tiny amount amidst sugar).
Sarah picked up “Lite & Fit” yogurt. The word “lite” made it sound healthy, but it still had 15 grams of sugar. This linguistic trick, using ambiguous positive-sounding terms, created a false “health halo” around what was still a fairly sugary product.
Analyzing the Verbs Associated with Eating Junk Food (Devour, Scarf, Nibble)
The verbs used to describe eating junk food often reveal attitudes or behaviors: “devour” or “scarf” suggest rapid, perhaps uncontrolled consumption, while “nibble” or “savor” might imply a more mindful or restrained approach, even with indulgent items.
Mark “devoured” a bag of chips in minutes, while his friend slowly “nibbled” on a single cookie. The different verbs perfectly captured their contrasting styles of junk food consumption – one impulsive and quick, the other more deliberate and controlled.
The Use of Onomatopoeia (Crunch, Fizz, Slurp) in Junk Food Branding and Ads
Onomatopoeic words that mimic sounds (crunch, fizz, slurp, crackle, pop) are frequently used in junk food branding and advertising to evoke the sensory experience of consuming the product, making it seem more appealing and memorable.
Chloe heard the “fizzzz” as the soda can opened in the ad, then the “ahhh” of satisfaction. These onomatopoeic sounds weren’t just background noise; they were carefully chosen to heighten the sensory appeal and make the viewer almost taste the junk food.
How Hashtags and Social Media Slang Shape Talk About Junk Food Online
Hashtags like #foodporn, #junkfoodjunkie, #cheatdayeats and related slang (e.g., “snackcident,” “hangry”) create online communities and shape how people discuss, share, and perceive junk food experiences on social media platforms.
David posted a picture of his epic burger with #BurgerGoals and #WorthIt. These hashtags and the accompanying slang connected him with a whole online community celebrating indulgent junk food, shaping the digital conversation around such treats.
The “Secret Language” of Ordering at Fast Food Chains (e.g., “Animal Style”)
Some fast-food chains have “secret menus” or ordering shorthand known to regular customers (e.g., In-N-Out’s “Animal Style,” Starbucks’ complex custom drinks). This “secret language” creates a sense of insider knowledge and community among fans.
Anna confidently ordered her In-N-Out burger “Animal Style.” This “secret language,” not found on the regular menu, signaled her as an insider and ensured she got her preferred, customized junk food creation, a badge of honor for fans.
The Linguistics of “Limited Time Offer” and Scarcity Marketing for Junk Food
Phrases like “Limited Time Offer” (LTO), “While Supplies Last,” or “Seasonal Special” use the linguistics of scarcity to create a sense of urgency and fear of missing out (FOMO), compelling consumers to purchase the junk food item immediately.
Liam saw the ad: “McRib is BACK! Limited Time Only!” The specific wording, emphasizing scarcity and a fleeting opportunity, triggered his FOMO and made him rush out to get one before it disappeared again – a classic linguistic marketing tactic.
How Junk Food Terms Enter the Mainstream Lexicon (e.g., “Hangry”)
Terms originating in junk food culture or describing experiences with it (like “hangry” – hungry + angry) can become so widely understood and used that they enter the mainstream lexicon, becoming part of everyday language.
Sarah snapped at her husband, then apologized, “Sorry, I’m just super hangry.” The term “hangry,” once niche, had become a mainstream way to describe that specific irritability fueled by hunger, often before a much-needed (possibly junky) meal.
The Naming Conventions for Different Categories of Junk Food (Chips, Candy, Soda)
Different junk food categories often follow distinct naming conventions. Chips might have evocative flavor names (Spicy Nacho, Cool Ranch). Candy bars often have short, punchy, or whimsical names (Snickers, Twix). Sodas might use brand names or descriptive flavor terms.
Mark noticed patterns: candy bars often had short, memorable names like “Mars” or “Kit Kat,” while chip flavors were more descriptive, like “Sour Cream & Onion.” These unwritten naming conventions helped categorize and define different types of junk food.
Analyzing the “Voice” and “Tone” of Junk Food Brand Personalities
Junk food brands cultivate distinct “personalities” through their advertising “voice” (e.g., playful, rebellious, comforting, sophisticated) and “tone” (humorous, serious, urgent). This helps them connect with specific target demographics.
Chloe compared ads: Skittles’ voice was quirky and surreal (“Taste the Rainbow”), while Dove Chocolate’s was smooth and indulgent. Each brand carefully crafted a distinct personality through its linguistic tone, aiming to resonate with different consumer desires.
The Use of Questions in Junk Food Slogans to Engage Consumers
Posing questions in junk food slogans (“Got Milk?” for cookies, “Whatcha Doin’?” for Klondike bars) is a rhetorical technique to directly engage consumers, make them think about the product, and create a more interactive, memorable brand message.
David heard the old Klondike jingle: “What would you do-oo-oo for a Klondike bar?” The question wasn’t meant to be answered literally; it was a playful, engaging way to make him imagine the desirability of the ice cream treat.
How Colors in Junk Food Branding Reinforce Linguistic Messages
The colors used in junk food branding and packaging often reinforce the linguistic message. For example, red (excitement, appetite) might pair with slogans about bold flavor, while green (natural, fresh) might be used with (often misleading) “healthy” claims.
Anna saw a new “Zesty Lime” soda in a bright green can with energetic font. The color green visually reinforced the linguistic promise of “zesty” and “fresh,” even though the drink was mostly sugar and artificial flavor. The color amplified the message.
The Language of “Cravings” and “Addiction” When Discussing Junk Food
People often use strong language like “craving,” “addicted to,” “can’t resist,” or “my weakness” when discussing their relationship with junk food, reflecting the powerful psychological and physiological pull these hyper-palatable foods can exert.
Liam sighed, “I’m seriously addicted to these spicy chips. I have intense cravings for them every afternoon.” His use of “addicted” and “cravings” highlighted the powerful, almost uncontrollable desire he felt for that specific junk food.
The Evolution of Food Slang Across Generations (e.g., “Groovy Grub” to “Fire Snacks”)
Food slang changes with each generation. What might have been “groovy grub” in the 70s became “awesome eats” in the 90s, and now might be “fire snacks” or “bussin'” among younger demographics, reflecting evolving linguistic trends.
Sarah’s dad talked about “munching on some righteous chow” in his youth. Her teenage son described his favorite junk food as “totally fire.” The evolution of food slang across generations showed how language constantly adapts to describe the same basic indulgences.
The Legal Language on Junk Food Packaging (Nutrition Facts, Disclaimers)
Junk food packaging includes legally mandated language: the Nutrition Facts panel, ingredient lists, allergen warnings, and sometimes disclaimers about health claims. This formal, regulated language contrasts with persuasive marketing copy.
Mark squinted at the tiny print of the Nutrition Facts panel on his cookie package. This dense, legal language, full of percentages and grams, was a stark contrast to the big, colorful “Deliciously Chewy!” claim on the front. One was regulated fact, the other persuasive marketing.
How Junk Food Brands Use Storytelling in Their Marketing Language
Some junk food brands use storytelling in their advertising or on packaging—creating narratives about the product’s origin, a fictional brand mascot, or the “experience” of consuming it—to build emotional connections and brand loyalty.
Chloe read the “story” on the back of the artisanal potato chip bag about the farmer who grew the potatoes. This narrative, whether entirely true or not, added a layer of charm and perceived authenticity to the junk food, making it more than just a snack.
The Linguistic Differences Between “Gourmet Junk Food” and Regular Junk Food Descriptions
“Gourmet junk food” descriptions often use more sophisticated, artisanal language: “hand-cut,” “small-batch,” “Belgian chocolate,” “Madagascar vanilla.” Regular junk food uses simpler, more direct, and often more hyperbolic terms: “super cheesy,” “mega crunchy.”
David compared two menus. One offered “Crispy Fried Potato Slices.” The gourmet burger joint listed “Hand-Cut Russet Frites with Black Truffle Aioli.” The linguistic difference was stark, elevating the same basic junk food (fries) through more sophisticated, artisanal description.
The Role of Taglines in Establishing Junk Food Brand Identity
Short, catchy taglines (e.g., “Melts in your mouth, not in your hand” for M&M’s; “The Quicker Picker Upper” for Bounty, often used with snacks) encapsulate a key benefit or brand essence, becoming memorable identifiers for junk food products.
Anna heard “Have a break…” and immediately thought “…have a Kit Kat.” That simple tagline had so effectively established the candy bar’s identity as the perfect pause-and-refresh snack that the two phrases were inextricably linked in her mind.
Analyzing the Language Used in Online Reviews of Junk Food
Online reviews of junk food often feature vivid sensory descriptions, emotional reactions, comparisons to other brands, and specific slang or jargon used by enthusiasts, providing insights into consumer perceptions and shared culinary language.
Liam read online reviews for a new spicy chip. Commenters used terms like “insane burn,” “addictive crunch,” and rated its “heat level” on a scale. The specific, often hyperbolic language provided a vivid picture of the collective consumer experience.
The Use of “Sensory Language” to Describe Junk Food Taste and Texture
Junk food descriptions heavily rely on “sensory language” that appeals to taste (sweet, tangy, savory), texture (crunchy, creamy, gooey, chewy), smell (aromatic, fruity), and even sound (crispy, fizzy) to make products seem irresistible.
Sarah read the ice cream flavor description: “Velvety smooth vanilla with gooey caramel swirls and crunchy praline pecans.” The rich sensory language, appealing to multiple textures and tastes, made her mouth water before she even saw the ice cream.
How Junk Food Brands Co-opt Youth Slang to Seem “Cool”
Junk food brands targeting younger demographics often try to incorporate current youth slang and internet vernacular into their advertising and social media to appear “cool,” relatable, and “in touch,” though this can sometimes backfire if perceived as inauthentic.
Mark cringed at a soda ad that used outdated teen slang like “That’s totally rad!” in an attempt to seem cool. When brands try too hard to co-opt youth language, he thought, it often just sounds forced and out of touch.
The Linguistics of “Diet” and “Light” Junk Food Branding
The words “diet,” “light,” “lite,” “zero,” or “free” in junk food branding are carefully chosen to imply healthfulness, weight loss benefits, or reduced guilt, even if the products still contain artificial sweeteners, chemicals, or are not significantly more nutritious.
Chloe saw a “Guilt-Free Delight” cookie. The words “guilt-free” and “delight” were chosen to make her feel good about eating it, even if it was still a processed cookie with artificial sweeteners. The linguistics of “diet” branding focused on permissible indulgence.
The Power of a Single Word in Junk Food Naming (e.g., “Blizzard,” “Whopper”)
A single, powerful, evocative word chosen for a junk food product name (like Dairy Queen’s “Blizzard” or Burger King’s “Whopper”) can convey size, intensity, uniqueness, or a sensory experience, becoming an iconic and memorable brand identifier.
David ordered a “Whopper.” That single word, implying something large and substantial, was incredibly effective branding. It instantly communicated the burger’s identity and promise of a satisfyingly big meal, showcasing the power of a well-chosen name.
How “Negative” Words Can Ironically Be Used to Market Junk Food (“Wicked,” “Nasty Good”)
Some junk food marketing ironically uses “negative” or edgy words like “wicked,” “nasty,” “sinful,” or “devilishly” to imply that a product is so indulgently delicious it’s almost forbidden or rebellious, adding to its allure.
Anna saw an ad for “Wicked Chocolate Lava Cake.” The use of “wicked” wasn’t meant literally; it ironically suggested the dessert was so intensely, sinfully good that it was almost naughty, making it even more tempting.
The Language of Nostalgia in Marketing Retro Junk Food Brands
When marketing revived or retro-packaged junk foods, brands use language that evokes nostalgia—referencing past decades, childhood memories, “classic” taste, or “just like you remember”—to appeal to consumers’ sentimental connections.
Liam saw a commercial for “Original Recipe” Twinkies, using 70s-style graphics and language about “the taste of childhood.” This carefully crafted language of nostalgia aimed to transport him back to happier, simpler times, all through a familiar junk food.
Analyzing the Script of Junk Food Commercials: What Are They Really Saying?
Junk food commercial scripts often use subtext, emotional appeals, and association rather than direct product claims. They might link the food to fun, friendship, family, or success, implicitly saying “buy this, and you’ll get these positive feelings/experiences.”
Sarah analyzed a soda commercial script. The characters weren’t discussing ingredients; they were laughing, playing on a beach, and sharing the drink. The subtext was clear: this soda equals happiness, youth, and connection – a message far more powerful than just “tastes good.”
The Use of Imperative Verbs (“Try,” “Get,” “Taste”) in Junk Food Calls to Action
Junk Food advertisements frequently use imperative verbs (“Try our new X!” “Get yours today!” “Taste the feeling!”) as direct calls to action, urging the consumer to make an immediate purchase or engage with the product.
Mark saw the poster: “CRAVE IT? GET IT!” The direct, imperative command “GET IT!” was a strong call to action, designed to move him from simple desire to immediate purchase of the advertised junk food.
How User-Generated Content Shapes the Language Around Junk Food Brands
User-generated content (reviews, social media posts, memes) creates an organic, evolving slang and set of shared descriptions around junk food brands, influencing how peers talk about and perceive these products, often more authentically than official marketing.
Chloe searched for reviews of a new candy bar. User comments like “OMG, so fire!” or “total snackcident waiting to happen” used a different, more authentic language than the official ads, shaping her perception through peer-generated slang.
The Linguistics of Junk Food Parody and Satire
Parodies and satires of junk food (e.g., in shows like The Simpsons or Saturday Night Live) often mimic and exaggerate the linguistic tropes of junk food advertising—catchy but nonsensical jingles, over-the-top claims, bizarre mascots—for comedic and critical effect.
David watched a “Weekend Update” segment on SNL featuring a fake ad for “Colon Blow” cereal. The parody perfectly mimicked the enthusiastic, health-claim-laden language of real cereal commercials, using linguistic exaggeration for hilarious satirical effect.
The Influence of Celebrity Endorser’s Language on Junk Food Perception
When a celebrity endorses a junk food, their personal speaking style, catchphrases, or the language used in the endorsement can influence how consumers perceive the product, associating it with the celebrity’s image or personality.
Anna saw her favorite pop star in an ad saying, “This soda is totally lit!” The use of the star’s familiar slang and enthusiastic delivery made the junk food drink seem cooler and more appealing to her and her peers by association.
How “Forbidden” or “Secret” Language Adds Allure to Some Junk Food
Using terms like “secret recipe,” “limited batch,” “underground,” or “off-menu” creates an air of exclusivity and “forbidden” allure around certain junk food items, making them seem more special and desirable to those “in the know.”
Liam heard whispers about a “secret” donut flavor at his local bakery, only available if you asked for “The Midnight Bloom.” This use of “secret” language and exclusivity made the simple junk food treat feel like a coveted, mysterious indulgence.
The Use of Numbers and Statistics (Often Misleadingly) in Junk Food Claims
Junk food marketing sometimes uses numbers or statistics misleadingly—”Only 100 calories!” (for a tiny serving), “50% less fat!” (than an extremely high-fat original), or vague survey results (“4 out of 5 agree!”)—to imply a health benefit or superiority that isn’t fully accurate.
Sarah saw a cookie package proclaiming “25% Bigger!” but the price had also increased by 30%. Another snack boasted “Only 1 gram of sugar!” – per tiny, unrealistic serving size. These misleading uses of numbers were common linguistic tricks.
The Cross-Cultural Translation Challenges of Junk Food Branding and Slogans
Translating junk food brand names, slogans, and marketing messages across different languages and cultures is challenging. Direct translations can be nonsensical, offensive, or lose their intended meaning, requiring careful adaptation (transcreation).
When “Chevy Nova” was marketed in Spanish-speaking countries, “No va” (“doesn’t go”) was a disastrous linguistic oversight. Similarly, KFC’s “Finger Lickin’ Good” famously translated poorly in China. Cross-cultural slogan translation for junk food is fraught with peril.
The Language of “Value” and “Affordability” in Junk Food Marketing
Junk food marketing often emphasizes “value,” “savings,” “dollar menus,” or “family size” to appeal to budget-conscious consumers, using language that highlights affordability and quantity over nutritional quality.
Mark saw signs for “Mega Meal Deals – Feed the Whole Family for Under 20 Dollars!” The language focused entirely on “value” and “affordability,” positioning the (often unhealthy) fast food as an economical choice for families, a powerful marketing angle.
How Font Choice and Typography Contribute to Junk Food’s Linguistic Message
The fonts and typography used in junk food branding and packaging are carefully chosen to convey specific messages: playful, bubbly fonts for kids’ snacks; bold, strong fonts for “extreme” products; elegant script for “gourmet” or indulgent treats.
Chloe noticed the chunky, playful font on her son’s fruit snack packaging, contrasting with the elegant, refined script on her box of dark chocolates. The font choice alone subtly communicated the target audience and intended “vibe” of each junk food.
The Evolution of Warning Labels and Health Disclaimers on Junk Food
Over time, regulatory pressure has led to more prominent warning labels and health disclaimers on some junk food (e.g., “high in sodium,” allergen warnings). The language of these warnings has evolved to be clearer and more direct, though industry often resists strong wording.
David compared an old candy bar wrapper to a new one. The new one had much clearer allergen warnings and a more detailed nutrition panel. The evolution of this mandatory legal language on junk food reflected increasing public health concerns and regulatory action.
The “Sound Symbolism” of Junk Food Brand Names (Do Certain Sounds Seem Tastier?)
Sound symbolism (phonosemantics) suggests that certain speech sounds can evoke sensory experiences. Some junk food brand names might subconsciously use sounds perceived as “crispy” (e.g., “Krispy Kreme”), “smooth” (e.g., “Milka”), or “fun” to enhance appeal.
Anna pondered if “Skittles” just sounded more fun and playful than, say, “Oblongs.” The specific combination of sounds in a brand name, some linguists argue, can subconsciously influence our perception of its taste or appeal through sound symbolism.
Creating a “Junk Food Dictionary”: Defining the Key Terms and Slang
A “Junk Food Dictionary” would compile and define common slang terms (munchies, food coma), marketing jargon (bliss point, LTO), ingredient names (HFCS, BHT), and cultural phrases related to the world of junk food, providing a comprehensive linguistic guide.
Liam, a food blogger, decided to create an online “Junk Food Dictionary.” His first entries: “Bliss Point: The Holy Grail for food scientists.” “Hangry: When lack of snacks turns you into a monster.” It was a fun project defining the unique lexicon of the junk food world.