Did your boss say the business got some bad press? You could tell him, "There's no such thing as bad publicity." This post unpacks the meaning and origin of the expression.
Meaning
The expression "there's no such thing as bad publicity" means that all mentions of a person or entity in the media serve them in a positive manner. By getting your name in the press, you create awareness, which will always benefit the party in question, even if it paints them in a bad light.
Example Usage
"My boss told me there's no such thing as bad publicity, but I don't know about that. I wonder what's going to happen to our business when they break this scandal?"
"Remember that movie the Wolf of Wall Street? They doubled in size when they broke the story about his firm's predatory practices. I guess there's no such thing as bad publicity."
"There's no such thing as bad publicity. Just make sure they spell your name right. We're going to the moon, baby!"
"When it comes to the presidential race, there's no such thing as bad publicity. Even mention in the media only serves to strengthen your campaign."
"I pity brands that think there's no such thing as bad publicity. Just ask Subway about that and the attention Jared got them."
"There's no such thing as bad publicity. Let him talk about me. It's just going to make me more attractive to his friends."
"Whoever told you there's such a thing as bad publicity needs a lesson in marketing. There's no such thing as bad publicity."
"When it comes to brand reputation, there's no such thing as bad publicity. Even mention in the media, whether bad or good, spreads awareness of your brand."
Origin
The expression" "there's no such thing as bad publicity" is mistakenly attributed to the 19th-century circus owner and American showman Phineas T. Barnum. He would never miss a chance to present his products to people visiting his circus.
However, no evidence or citations link the expression to Barnum. The earliest renditions of the term come from the early 20th century. The closest version of the phrase in print appears in the newspaper, "The Atlanta Constitution," in January 1915, where it reads as follows.
"All publicity is good if it is intelligent."
The closest rendition to the modern version of the phrase comes from Irish writer and republican Brendan Behan. He is famous for uttering the following.
"There's no such thing as bad publicity except your own obituary."
Phrases Similar to There’s No Such Thing as Bad Publicity
- Any press is good press.
- There’[s no such thing as bad press.
- All publicity is a good thing.
- Let them talk.
Phrases Opposite to There’s No Such Thing as Bad Publicity
- Bad publicity.
What is the Correct Saying?
- There’s no such thing as bad publicity.
Ways People May Say There’s No Such Thing as Bad Publicity Incorrectly
Some people may use the phrase "there's no such thing as bad publicity" in situations where it might seem insensitive. For instance, if your company is involved in a scandal, saying it to your boss directly after the news breaks might seem callous, depending on the circumstances.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase There's No Such Thing as Bad Publicity
The expression, "there's no such thing as bad publicity," means that you can't go wrong with people talking about you or your business, even if it's in a bad light. The phrase suits social and professional situations. For instance, if your company is involved in a scandal, you could use "there's no such thing as bad publicity" to dampen its effect on your boss.
People will still be aware of your business and might only remember the scandal for a while. You could use it if your partner finds out you cheated on her, claiming that this news makes you more desirable to other people. The phrase suits verbal exchanges and text-based communications.