Ever since seeing the infomercials, 11-year-old E has been begging for a Snuggie. Cheapskate mama that I am, I have instructed him to simply turn a bathrobe around backwards to get the Snuggie effect – for free.
But I’ve wondered, just what is it about those commercials that makes otherwise rational people want to shell out $19.99 for a cheap, flammable, acrylic blanket with sleeves? I think I’ve figured it out: it’s all in the name.
Apparently, before the Snuggie hit the scene, there was a very similar predecessor product, called “Slanket.” Same design. Also marketed via the TV and Web. However, while the Snuggie has become a national pop culture obsession, the Slanket went nowhere.
The reason for this is easy to intuit. The word “slanket” is completely unappealing – repulsive even. It sounds like something frat boys would call that 20 year old girl with the tattoo on her lower back, a drinking problem, and an eternal willingness to indulge the 3am booty call.
As in, “Yeah, that Britney is SUCH a slanket. The other night I saw her do a striptease in the middle of a party inside the house trophy case.”
Alternatively, “slanket” sounds like one of the scarier characters from “Harry Potter,” as in, “She was eaten alive by Voldemort’s most loyal minion: The Slanket!”
In either case, it’s just not a word that makes you want to pull out your credit card and dial a 1-800 number after seeing the product advertised on late night TV.
But “Snuggie,” now THAT’S a great word. It’s like a cross between “snuggly” and “cozy” – two very fine words that obviously work even better together. Instead of conjuring up images of potential STDs or scary, slithery creatures, “snuggie” makes you long for hot chocolate and a foot massage – STAT!
So take heed, if you want your As Seen on TV product to soar, you’ve got to realize that it’s all about what you call the thing. I mean, would “The Bedazzler” have gone anywhere if Ronco had instead christened it, “The Bedraggler?” I think not.
8 Responses to “The real reason the Snuggie stomped the Slanket”
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I dunno. I bet the Shamwow guy could have sold the Slanket.
I have to admit, I have watched that informercial with fascination and thought to myself, “That is just what I need!” I think it is amazing when you can understand all about how advertising/marketing works, and still be swayed by it. Another thing I want is a full set of Ginsu knives and everything that comes with them, still available online for only 19.95!
Ha! I’m ordering one of those bizarro things for Elliot right now.
E will be over the moon if he really does get his own Snuggie!
It’s on the way.
yup. It’s all about the marketing. Just like saying “pro-choice” sounds a lot better than “pro abortion”. If people stop and think about what they are really saying, it might change things..
Remember…it also comes with a reading light. My 3 yr old wields it light a light saber.
Priceless: “[Slanket] sounds like something frat boys would call that 20 year old girl with the tattoo on her lower back, a drinking problem, and an eternal willingness to indulge the 3am booty call.”