Plenty of on-screen entertainment worms its way into our collective memory, from iconic film quotes to TV catchphrases. But you’d be surprised how easily some nostalgic adverts stay stuck in the back of your head.
Eighties kids will no doubt remember some of these catchy jingles and rhyming phrases from their time in front of the TV – but how many can you still recite?
Um Bongo: "Way down deep in the middle of the Congo..."
Apparently, all it takes to concoct the flavour of a decade is a pink hippopotamus having a tango with some jungle fruit. Eventually, all the animals get involved and a crocodile closes out the show with a snap.
If the dancing cartoon animals are to be believed, when it comes to sun and fun, everyone’s a fan of the one they call Um Bongo!
Juicy Fruit: "The taste is gonna move you!"
Juicy Fruit gum had an almost magical effect on its consumers in the ‘80s, giving them just the boost of energy they needed to take on extreme sports like water-skiing.
Sure, a high-protein diet and health drinks might be the go-to now, but in the ‘80s, Juicy Fruit’s catchy jingle was a persuasive point in the favour of chewing gum. Just remember to spit it out before you head off down the slopes…
© Universal Images Group via GettyYellow Pages: "I don't suppose you have a copy of Fly Fishing by J.R. Hartley?"
The Yellow Pages attempted an overhaul of their bad reputation with the sweet story of an old man on a hunt for Fly Fishing by J.R. Hartley. After a hunt around several bookshops, he heads home and is quickly counselled to check the Yellow Pages.
As the advert goes, they “don’t just help with the nasty things, like blocked drains”. This contact source helps the man track down a shop stocking a copy of the book, which he eventually reveals to have authored himself!
Smash: "For mash get Smash"
Silly old humans, still peeling their potatoes! Smash was to potatoes what Spam was to ham, an instant imitation that promised to save its customers hours of toil.
The brand leaned into its futuristic potential with Smash advertised as the potatoes of tomorrow, complete with robotic martians having a grand old giggle at the humans’ expense, telling them: “For mash, get Smash”.
© PA Images via Getty ImagesMilkybar: "The Milkybar Kid is strong and tough, only the best's good enough!"
The Milkybar Kid is a staple in the world of sweet treat mascots, and in the ‘80s, he even had a rhyme to match! Riding into frame, this blonde cowboy declared: "The Milkybar Kid is strong and tough, only the best's good enough!"
Nowadays, Milkybars are an accepted part of every multi-pack and you’re unlikely to see them being advertised on-screen. But ‘80s kids remember this rootin’ tootin’ cowboy as the toughest brand icon around.
Shake 'n' Vac: "Do the Shake 'n' Vac and put the freshness back"
A quick run of the vacuum cleaner wouldn’t suffice for the houseproud ‘80s parent. Shake’n’Vac provided an extra step of fun with a scented powder that you’d vacuum up, promising to leave behind a fresh new smell.
The scent brand made it look like a real laugh, too, as a housewife happily danced her way through the household chores, with the immortal jingle: "Do the Shake 'n' Vac and put the freshness back."
