MetaChat - I keep seeing copy directed at men

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03 November 2011

I keep seeing copy directed at men with the word "pampering". What do you guys (of any gender) think? It doesn't really resonate with me, this word

post by: Firas at: 01:32 | 21 comments

It is a word only used in ad copy. Major turn-off.

posted by mykescipark 03 November | 01:38

I totally read it in AskMe the other day too, some woman saying that a guy can get a chance to be pampered when a hairstylist shampoos him or something

posted by Firas 03 November | 01:46

it sounds like language used for describing spas or manicures etc to women etc so I can tell this product etc isn't directed at me *or* when it is clearly directed at men it's just not a word I 'get', or part of the cultural lexicon I internalize, so it stands out... pampering is for infants

posted by Firas 03 November | 01:51

Dislike it, but I don't think I've ever seen it directed at men here in the UK, it seems to be used more for marketing to women.

posted by TheophileEscargot 03 November | 02:02

I have seen 'pampered' used for marketing non-therapeutic massage parlors to men in Las Vegas, but otherwise, never in Georgia, South Carolina or Fresno.

posted by Ardiril 03 November | 02:19

I am not looking forward to day when I will need pampering.

posted by arse_hat 03 November | 02:37

Female here. I don't like the word and I didn't like it before I used Pampers on my baby. I don't want to be pampered. I dislike being fussed over which is what the word means to me. The whole concept is unappealing.

posted by Kangaroo 03 November | 06:44

It doesn't bother me.

posted by JanetLand 03 November | 07:31

It means you are browsing the wrong websites.

posted by Eideteker 03 November | 08:07

"Pampering" has negative connotations for me to, whether the attraction is directed at men or women. I would blame the disposable diaper, but I think it's more the similarity to "pandering".

posted by crush-onastick 03 November | 08:30

To me pampering is my barber cutting my ear and nose hairs. Oh, and the hot towel after a straight razor shave.

posted by Splunge 03 November | 09:21

The concept of male pampering is just another part of a broad campaign to erode identity in order to double the number of lifestyle consumers.

posted by Hugh Janus 03 November | 10:07

I deserve it!

posted by mullacc 03 November | 11:03

lol mullac

posted by Firas 03 November | 11:04

I am for a little pampering.

posted by stynxno 03 November | 11:21

Etymology:

pamper
c.1380, "to cram with food," probably from M.Du. (cf. W.Flem. pamperen "cram with food, overindulge;" dial. Ger. pampen "to cram"), probably from freq. of base of pap (q.v.). Meaning "to overindulge" first attested 1530.

You can take "pamper" and cram it.

posted by Eideteker 03 November | 13:39

So, what word should be used instead? Or is the male species simply against physical comfort, special attention from girlfriends, and so forth? If so, I promise not to pamper anybody.

posted by serena 03 November | 20:13

So, what word should be used instead?

Prepare.

Because we lie in readiness, waiting for the plunging knife, the arcing club, the muscled hand gripping our throats. We anticipate the tearing of sinew, the gouging of eyes, the crushing of skulls. We coil to strike, our spears at the ready, our blades sharp from the stone, hot blood on our razor teeth and low growls in our savage throats. We prepare to kill and be killed, with no mercy, no remorse. The species that is man seeks vengeance and blood, and knows nothing beyond broken glass and shattered peace.

Pamper our torn corpses and the memories of our feats, so that the gods below might take notice and raise us once again to scourge our foes.

posted by Hugh Janus 03 November | 22:53

Thanks Hugh. I really needed a good laugh!

posted by arse_hat 03 November | 23:32

the language used for "pampering" for men tends to be different, it's all action-oriented and "doing best by you!" and "take it up!" a real "Powerful experience" which, as someone who wouldn't mind some pampering now and again, just seems to come off better.

It's mostly cause the word "pamper" makes me think of diapers.

posted by The Whelk 04 November | 01:47

lol hugh

serena, I have nothing against the concept itself. But experiential language in ads to people and between people can be different among genders just by cultural habit and identity. "This will make you smell good" works for both genders. "Be bad and eat this chocolate" might not cause "I've been bad" is kinda cutesy and not how I process eating issues.

So I have nothing against detailed sensations but I'd prefer a word with more agency... not related so much to lying back and being tended to as much as being given careful attention. "Relax and feel." etc

posted by Firas 04 November | 02:23

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