1

Manifest Destiny

Image: Wayne Hollman

(1840s – Westward Expansion)

Coined in 1845 by journalist John L. O’Sullivan, "Manifest Destiny" justified America’s push westward, claiming it was the nation’s divine right and duty. Though sometimes controversial, it shaped the national mindset and defined 19th-century American expansionism.

2

Talk turkey

Image: Tyler Donaghy

(1800s – Rural America)

"Talking turkey" originally meant speaking plainly, especially during trade or bargaining sessions around Thanksgiving time. The phrase evolved from settlers' interactions with Native Americans and each other.

3

The whole nine yards

Image: Museums Victoria

(1940s – WWII era)

This phrase likely originated in World War II aviation. Fighter pilots reportedly gave "the whole nine yards" when they unloaded all their ammunition —about 27 feet of bullets. It now means going all out, and its roots in wartime tales made it a lasting piece of American lingo.

4

Cold turkey

Image: Andres Siimon

(1920s – Prohibition era)

"Cold turkey" first emerged in drug withdrawal circles during the 1920s, describing a sudden and complete stop, often painful and abrupt. It became more widespread during Prohibition, when people abruptly quit drinking.

5

Pull yourself up by your bootstraps

Image: Nathan Dumlao

(1930s – Great Depression)

Originally a sarcastic quip about doing the impossible, the phrase took on a new life during the Depression, urging Americans to self-rely and push through adversity. By WWII, it had become a proud motto for working-class Americans.

6

Loose lips sink ships

Image: John Kostyk

(1940s – WWII propaganda)

Created by the U.S. Office of War Information, this saying warned citizens and soldiers against careless talk that might aid enemy spies. It was one of the most effective propaganda slogans of WWII.

7

Duck and cover

Image: Stephen Cobb

(1950s – Cold War drills)

Coined in a 1951 civil defense film, this phrase taught schoolchildren to seek shelter from nuclear blasts. While its actual effectiveness was debatable, "duck and cover" captured the anxious era of nuclear tension. It’s since become shorthand for futile emergency preparedness.

8

Jump on the bandwagon

Image: Museums of History New South Wales

(19th century – American politics)

Originating in the 1848 campaign of circus showman Dan Rice, politicians literally used bandwagons to draw crowds. The term evolved as others "jumped on" to align with the popular cause. It now refers to any late but enthusiastic adoption of a trend.

9

Cut to the chase

Image: Jeremy Yap

(Hollywood – silent film era)

Early films often built up slowly, so impatient viewers and editors began saying, "cut to the chase" —the action scene. Now it means getting straight to the point.

10

Put a sock in it

Image: Denny Müller

(1920s – Gramophone era)

Before volume knobs, people muffled early gramophones by stuffing socks in the horn. The phrase quickly became slang for "be quiet."

1

"I don't want to grow up"- Toys 'R' Us

Image: Liao Je Wei

No kid on Earth doesn't love toys, and Toys 'R' Us knew this too well. Their unforgettable commercial, "I Don't Want to Grow Up, I'm a Toys 'R' Us Kid," is proof of that. Remember it? Of course, you do!

Launched in the 1980s, this ad was a hit. The kids' voices repeatedly stating, "I don't want to grow up," immediately brings the brand's name to mind. In addition to the catchy line, the commercial also showcased a wide variety of toys available in stores, which are—of course—the reason why kids never want to grow up!

2

"Give me a break"- Kit Kat

Image: Abi Schreider

Kit Kat has successfully tied itself to the joy of taking a break , thanks in large part to its iconic jingle: "Give me a break, give me a break, break me off a piece of that Kit Kat bar!" Feeling like dancing?

We're sure you've caught yourself singing this line more than once in everyday life. The infectious tune has lived rent-free in our minds since the ‘80s when the commercial first debuted. In it, chefs, firefighters, builders, office workers, and people from all walks of life—including children—hold up a Kit Kat bar, smiling and dancing as they politely ask for their well-deserved break.

3

"Plop plop fizz fizz"- Alka-Seltzer

Image: Ksenia

For a jingle to stand out, it needs to be both consistent and effective . And Alka-Seltzer's most famous jingle nailed it perfectly.

"Plop, plop, fizz, fizz, oh what a relief it is!" is the catchy jingle that hit the radio in 1953. With two simple words, it shows us how to use the product: "Plop" (drop the tablet into a glass of water), "fizz" (watch it dissolve), and then, relief!

Later adapted for TV, the commercial featured Alka-Seltzer's mascot, Speedy , who explained the product's benefit: "Those speedy bubbles relieve your upset stomach and headache fast! For acid indigestion alone, Alka-Seltzer Gold."

4

"Sometimes you feel like a nut"- Almond Joy and Mounds

Image: Jessica Loaiza

As brands offer a variety of products, they often look for unique ways to differentiate each one, creating distinct commercials to highlight the essence of each product. But Almond Joy and Mounds, produced by the same company, did the opposite: they were united in the same commercial.

"Sometimes you feel like a nut, sometimes you don't. Almond Joy's got nuts, Mounds don't." Not only is it funny and catchy, but it's also crystal clear: although the bars look similar, there’s one key difference. Yep, the nuts ! So, which one is your favorite?

5

"Mmm Mmm Good" – Campbell's Soup

Image: Kelly Common

Sometimes, the simplest approach is the most effective, right? And that was demonstrated by Campbell's when it launched its famous jingle "Mmm Mmm Good." You've probably heard it!

What's the expression you use when you taste something that's delicious? That's right: Mmm! The canned soup brand exploited this universal expression to the fullest by adding it to its commercials and consistently evoking a cozy, homey vibe. By doing so, they connected the product with the kind of food we all prefer: homemade .

6

"My Bologna Has a First Name"- Oscar Mayer

Image: Aneta Voborilova

Almost everyone knows how to spell " bologna ," and that's largely thanks to Oscar Mayer's catchy 1973 jingle. Remember that one?

In the famous commercial, a young boy sings, "My bologna has a first name, it's O-S-C-A-R/ My bologna has a second name, it's M-A-Y-E-R/ Oh, I love to eat it every day, and if you ask me why, I'll say/ 'Cause Oscar Mayer has a way with B-O-L-O-G-N-A." The catchy tune and playful lyrics became a cultural phenomenon, making the brand name synonymous with the product. It was a highly effective marketing tactic!

Kids and adults alike couldn't stop spelling out this fun jingle, which still plays in our minds to this day.

7

"Meow, meow, meow, meow…"- Meow Mix

Image: Matheus Queiroz

Sometimes, we wish our pets could talk to us. It's a fantasy explored by many cartoons and some famous movies. But if your cat could talk, what would it ask for as its favorite meal? Hard to guess, right? Meow Mix, the cat food company, decided to give us an answer.

In its 1970s commercial, a kitten "sings" the catchy jingle, "Meow, Meow, Meow, Meow, Meow, Meow, Meow," while the visuals clearly show that the cat is asking for Meow Mix's delicious food. Associating the very sound of the animal with the brand name was a very clever move!

8

"Like a Good Neighbor"- State Farm

Image: Tierra Mallorca

You know a jingle is good when it's been around for decades , and that's the case with the iconic "Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there" from the well-known insurance company.

The jingle was written in 1971, and since then, it has become one of the most recognized jingles in commercial history.

Sung warmly and softly, the jingle conveys the idea that the insurance company will always be there for the customers, whatever they need, providing a sense of security and reliability.

9

"I'm A Big Kid Now"- Huggies Pull-Ups

Image: Jimmy Conover

Cuteness is a great way to connect with an audience, and Huggies, the famous diaper and pull-up brand, understands this perfectly.

And the proof of this is its iconic jingle, "I'm a big kid now!" This line represents the transition from diapers to training pants and the start of the potty training process.

The commercial, which debuted in 1992, features a young child proudly telling his parents about all the things he can do now that he's a "big kid." It highlights the joy and pride of this milestone for both toddlers and their parents. The jingle was a big hit and became one of the brand's most famous.

10

"I'm Lovin' It" - McDonald's

Image: Road Ahead

When you think of McDonald's advertisements, it's impossible not to remember the legendary "I'm Lovin' It."

Although it's newer than some other jingles on this list, "I'm Lovin' It" debuted in 2003 and quickly became an iconic part of the McDonald's brand. Along with the catchy "pa ra pa pa pa" hum, the jingle successfully linked the brand with the pleasure of enjoying a delicious burger.

Thanks to its simplicity and positive vibes, the jingle became a crucial part of the brand's identity and is etched in the memory of many Americans.

1

George Washington: Whiskey distiller

George Washington’s retirement after his second presidency (1797) was important in itself as it set a precedent for presidents only serving two terms —although this was only a tradition and not a legal limit until the ratification of the 22nd Amendment in 1951. Despite his enormous prestige, George Washington decided to retire from public life and returned to his Mount Vernon estate , focusing on agriculture and building a whiskey distillery that would become one of the biggest in the country. He was appointed General of the Army by President Adams in 1798, but he never actively served in that position.

2

John Adams: Farmer and writer

In 1801, John Adams retired to Massachusetts, where he would spend the rest of his life managing his estate and writing his autobiography . Reconciled with his former friend and long-time rival Thomas Jefferson, they exchanged letters and writings for more than a decade. After seeing the inauguration of his son, John Quincy Adams, as the 6th American president in 1825, Adams died on July 4, 1826. Famously, his last words were "Thomas Jefferson still survives", not knowing Jefferson had passed a few hours earlier.

3

Thomas Jefferson: Founder of the University of Virginia

After leaving the White House in 1809, Thomas Jefferson went back home to Monticello, Virginia, where he devoted his time to reading, writing, and science, while corresponding with many political figures of the time. In 1815, he sold his personal book collection to Congress to help replace the books burned by the British in 1814. A firm believer in education as a pillar of society, Jefferson envisioned a university where students could pursue studies not offered in other institutions. He chose the location, campaigned for the state charter, designed the buildings and the curriculum, and served as the first rector of the University of Virginia.

4

William H. Taft: Supreme Court Justice

Upon his retirement from office in 1913, Taft considered returning to the practice of law. However, he had appointed many federal judges —a few Supreme Court Justices included— which created a conflict of interest. Instead, he decided to accept a position as a lecturer at Yale University. In 1920, after Harding was elected president, Taft was offered a position as a Supreme Court Justice, and he accepted , making him the only person to be both President and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. After his appointment, Taft focused on organizing the legal system and making it more efficient, and campaigned for the construction of the Supreme Court building.

5

Grover Cleveland: Lawyer

After losing re-election in 1889, Cleveland took a position at a law firm in New York City and mostly stayed out of politics. A year before the 1892 election, however, he wrote a public letter against President Harrison’s economic policies that quickly made him a favored candidate and won him the Democratic nomination. After winning the election and serving his second term, Cleveland went back to practicing law. He is one of only two presidents to have served two non-consecutive terms.

6

Theodore Roosevelt: Explorer

After leaving office in 1909, Roosevelt led a safari expedition in Africa, where he hunted specimens for the Smithsonian Institution. After running for president in 1912 and losing to Woodrow Wilson, Roosevelt and his son Kermit embarked on a seven-month expedition across the jungles of Brazil to explore the Amazon Rive r. During the journey, Roosevelt contracted malaria and suffered from an infected leg wound, which nearly killed him. Back in America, he devoted his time to writing about politics and science, and actively campaigned for the war effort as the U.S. joined World War I.

7

Ulysses S. Grant: Writer

A hero of the Civil War and the Reconstruction era, Grant embarked on a two-year world tour after leaving office in 1877, where he was received by leaders such as Queen Victoria, Chancellor Otto Von Bismarck, and the Japanese Emperor Meiji. Back in America, he invested all of his savings into a Wall Street firm run by his son, but lost all of his money as a consequence of a Ponzi scheme. Penniless and diagnosed with terminal cancer, Grant started writing articles for magazines in order to raise money for his family , while also penning an autobiography, which he finished on his deathbed. The book was a major success, earning his family close to $450,000 and securing their future.

8

John Quincy Adams: Congressman

After retiring from office in 1829, John Quincy Adams returned to Congress, where he had previously served as senator, but this time as a member of the House of Representatives, being the only U.S. President to do this (Andrew Jackson is the only other former president to go back to Congress, but as a senator). Across 18 years and nine terms as a congressman, he became one of the leaders of the abolitionist cause, fighting to repeal a gag rule that prevented Congress from discussing slavery, and presenting several petitions for the abolition of slavery. Working as a congressman until the end, he died in the Capitol after suffering a stroke during a passionate debate against war.

9

Dwight D. Eisenhower: Cattle rancher

As many presidents did before him, Eisenhower retired to his farm after leaving office in 1961. However, he remained involved in politics, serving as an advisor to presidents such as Kennedy, Johnson, or Nixon . Despite having resigned his military commission upon becoming president, Eisenhower had his five-star general rank reinstated by President Kennedy, being the only president —except Washington— to re-enter the armed forces after the presidency.

10

George W. Bush: Oil painter

After leaving office in 2009, George W. Bush retired to his home in Texas. There, inspired by Winston Churchill’s essay "Painting as a Pastime", he took up oil painting , focusing on portraits of close friends, pets, and world leaders he had met while in office. In 2017, he released an art book focused on portraits of U.S. veterans and their stories.