Sometimes a Cigar is NOT Just a Cigar: Phallic Innuendo in Vintage Advertising

vintage advertising

 

“Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar” – a quote attributed to Sigmund Freud, refers to the fact that, despite the obvious sexual connotations to sucking on a penis-shaped object, smoking may have nothing to do with your sexual psyche. You just like cigars.

That being said, when looking at vintage advertising, it’s hard not to apply some Freudian psychology. We know full well that Madison avenue isn’t above throwing in some innuendo to make you crave their product.

So, let’s have a look at some examples and you decide if it’s phallic innuendo or if it’s just a “cigar”.

 

royal crown cola vintage ad

 

Okay, maybe she’s just having an innocent sip of RC cola… or maybe our subconscious is being triggered by Madison Avenue.  The way she’s holding the bottle and sucking on the straw…. very suspicious.

 

pocket coffee vintage advertisement

 

No problem here, right?  Just a pretty lady eatin’ some coffee chocolates.  Yet, her expression does make you wonder if we’re being subconsciously manipulated here.

 

vintage popsicle advert

 

Granted, we could show just about any advertisement featuring a pretty lady eating or drinking and it could be construed as innuendo.  That being said, sometimes their expressions make you wonder.  In this case, however, I’m going to go with the “cigar is just a cigar”.

 

1988 vintage advert popsicle

 

Oh dear God.  Look away.  Just look away.

 

1971 vintage ad gasoline

 

Get your mind out of the gutter. It’s just a fuel pump; that’s all it is.  A fuel pump that she’s handling oh-so-very-lovingly.

 

tootsie roll vintage advert

 

I’m sorry, but this Tootsie Roll is not just a Tootsie Roll.  There is, beyond a shadow of a doubt, something phallic going on here.  As for the banana advert – the less said the better.

 

vintage advert

 

I’ll admit, I’ve become a bit jaded.  Looking at all these vintage adverts, seemingly innocent interactions start to look like hardcore sex acts.

Keep in mind, innuendo in advertising isn’t limited to female-centered fellatio-esque messaging. Sometimes, it’s just a guy and his unit…

1968 mens fashion advert

 

It’s just a dude grabbing his “hammer”.  Nothing suggestive whatsoever.

 

GQ Magazine vintage ad

 

“In just two minutes, this man’s face is going to look terrific.”  ……I’ll bet it is.

Well, that’s enough subliminal penis imagery for one day.  Until next time!

 

suggestive popsicle

Would you like to support Flashbak?

Please consider making a donation to our site. We don't want to rely on ads to bring you the best of visual culture. You can also support us by signing up to our Mailing List. And you can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. For great art and culture delivered to your door, visit our shop.