Zeugma within Commercials

Feb 28, 2008 at 6:33 PM
2 comments

I saw a Chase bank commercial that I believe includes a Zeugmatic phrase. At the end of the commercial they man says Chase bank. Chase what you want. or something to that effect. The single term 'chase' is used to do two semantic jobs. one is to represent a noun (bank) and the second a verb (to pursue your goals and desires). I guess the company is trying to link the two inorder for people to open an account and follow their goals of saving money. I'm not sure. But it is kinda catchy. I couldn't find the commercial on youtube since it is a new commercial but I hope you all get to see it if you watch some TV this weekend. I saw it played on FOX family several times.

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That is a great marketing strategy they have going on there. I havnt seen the commercial, but I will look for it. Normally I have trouble figuring out the difference (if any) between Zeugma and a Pun. I think you made a good call by claiming it zeugma. Chase is lucky to have a name that can actually be turned into a verb. I have seen other commercials similar to the zeugma concept, and now that I am lingustically skilled, I am finding it easier to notice... as Im sure its the same with you! :)

I think I have seen this commercial too. It is very catchy. I wonder if people in advertising take a special class in zeugmas since they are so talented at using them. I think this would be fun to follow. This class has completely changed my perspective on television. Before I would zone out but now I have fun catching such anomalies in language.

Zeugma within Commercials

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