catchcry: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Journalistic
Quick answer
What does “catchcry” mean?
A short, memorable slogan or phrase used repeatedly, especially in a political or campaigning context.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A short, memorable slogan or phrase used repeatedly, especially in a political or campaigning context.
A repeated, characteristic expression or rallying cry associated with a person, group, or ideology; a catchphrase used to galvanize support.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Rarely used in both. More common in Australian/New Zealand English. UK usage is possible but rare; US usage is extremely rare. In the US, 'rallying cry', 'slogan', or 'mantra' are standard.
Connotations
Carries connotations of public, often political, exhortation. Suggests repetition and deliberate use for effect.
Frequency
Very low in both the UK and US. More frequently encountered in texts analyzing Australasian politics or media.
Grammar
How to Use “catchcry” in a Sentence
The catchcry of [GROUP][GROUP]'s catchcryadopt/use 'X' as a catchcryVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “catchcry” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The politician's catchcry of 'Fairness for all' dominated the campaign trail.
- It became a familiar catchcry in the editorials of the day.
American English
- The movement adopted the catchcry 'Change now' to mobilize its base.
- His catchcry, though simple, proved remarkably effective.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Could be used in reference to a company's marketing or internal rallying slogan.
Academic
Used in political science, media studies, or history to analyse rhetorical strategies.
Everyday
Very rare in casual conversation. Used when discussing politics or media.
Technical
Not a technical term.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “catchcry”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “catchcry”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “catchcry”
- Using it to mean a personal, humorous catchphrase.
- Confusing it with 'catchword'.
- Assuming it is common in US/UK English.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A catchphrase is often a humorous or personal tagline (e.g., a TV character's signature line). A catchcry is a repeated slogan meant to rally people, typically in politics or campaigning.
It is very rare and may sound unusual. Americans would typically use 'rallying cry', 'slogan', or 'mantra' instead.
It is almost exclusively a noun.
Yes, it is used in formal, journalistic, and analytical contexts, particularly in political commentary.
A short, memorable slogan or phrase used repeatedly, especially in a political or campaigning context.
Catchcry: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkatʃkraɪ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkætʃˌkraɪ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To become a catchcry”
- “To echo the catchcry of”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of someone trying to CATCH your attention with a CRY (a shout) – a repeated, shouted slogan.
Conceptual Metaphor
POLITICAL PERSUASION IS WAR (rallying cry, battle cry).
Practice
Quiz
In which regional variety of English is 'catchcry' most commonly found?