Make 7UP Yours: How a Catchphrase Turned 7UP into a Pop Culture Icon
In the late 1990s, soft drink brand 7UP launched one of the most memorable and humorous advertising campaigns in soda history: “Make 7UP Yours.” Known for its cheeky wordplay and over-the-top delivery, the campaign quickly cemented itself as one of the most iconic vintage TV ads of the decade.
The Concept: Clever Wordplay with a Bold Twist
The phrase “Make 7UP Yours” was more than just a soda commercial slogan—it was a clever play on words that walked the line between wholesome branding and rebellious comedy. On one hand, it sounded like an innocent marketing phrase promoting 7UP as your drink of choice. On the other hand, when said aloud, it cheekily resembled a classic insult (“up yours!”), making it instantly attention-grabbing and hilarious.
The Face of the Campaign: Orlando Jones
At the center of the 7UP commercials was comedian and actor Orlando Jones, who served as the enthusiastic face of the brand. Wearing a bright green shirt with “Make 7” on the front and “UP Yours” on the back, he delivered the line with exaggerated excitement in a series of TV spots.
In one classic scene, Jones walks through a city shouting, “Make 7!” while turning to show the back of his shirt: “UP Yours!” Confused passersby became unwitting parts of the joke, creating laugh-out-loud moments. His delivery, timing, and improvisational energy made the campaign unforgettable.
Cultural Impact and Catchphrase Popularity
“Make 7UP Yours” quickly became part of 1990s pop culture. The phrase was repeated in schools, printed on T-shirts, and quoted on playgrounds and in office conversations. It captured the era’s love for edgy humor and ironic tone. The campaign stood out in a crowded field of soft drink ads, especially as 7UP tried to differentiate itself from cola giants like Coca-Cola and Pepsi.
It wasn’t just about selling a soda—it was about branding 7UP as the cool, funny alternative. For a brief moment, thanks to Jones and a clever slogan, 7UP was the soda everyone was talking about.
Legacy of the Campaign
Though the campaign was phased out in the early 2000s, it remains one of the most memorable advertising campaigns of the ’90s. Today, marketers still study “Make 7UP Yours” as a great example of humor, boldness, and cultural timing in branding.
More than two decades later, the campaign still shows up in YouTube compilations of funny commercials, fan retrospectives, and nostalgia-driven social media posts. For anyone who grew up in the era, it’s a beloved throwback to when ads were wild, weird, and wonderfully unpredictable.
