informercial
C1neutral/informal
Definition
Meaning
A lengthy television advertisement presented in the style of a regular program, typically featuring demonstrations and testimonials.
Any extended, persuasive promotional content that mimics a non-advertising format, often characterized by direct response calls to action.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
A blend of 'information' and 'commercial'. Often implies a persuasive, sales-driven format that may be perceived as less credible than traditional advertising.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is used in both varieties, but the format is strongly associated with American television. In the UK, it might be described more generically as a 'long ad' or 'teleshopping segment'.
Connotations
Often carries a connotation of low-budget, sensational, or manipulative marketing in both varieties.
Frequency
More frequently used and recognized in American English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
advertise [a product] in an infomercialsell [a product] via infomercialsee [an infomercial] on TVVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “sell like an infomercial product (to sell very quickly)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
A marketing strategy for direct-to-consumer sales, often used for niche products.
Academic
Studied in media and communication studies as a form of hybrid entertainment and advertising.
Everyday
Used to describe long, persuasive TV ads, often watched late at night.
Technical
A specific genre of direct-response television (DRTV) advertising with a defined length and format.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The presentation had a very infomercial feel to it.
American English
- He used an infomercial-style pitch to demo the gadget.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I saw an infomercial on TV last night.
- My mum bought a pan from an infomercial.
- The infomercial for the kitchen gadget was very convincing.
- They made the product look amazing in the infomercial.
- Despite its infomercial origins, the product actually works quite well.
- The company's sales skyrocketed after airing a national infomercial.
- Critics argue that the infomercial format blurs the line between entertainment and exploitative advertising.
- The documentary analysed the psychological techniques employed in successful infomercials.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
INFO + COMMERCIAL = INFOMERCIAL. It's a commercial that gives a lot of INFO (information) about a product.
Conceptual Metaphor
ADVERTISING IS A PROGRAMME (it disguises a sales pitch as regular television content).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не переводите как "информационная реклама" — это калька, не передающая сути формата. Лучше использовать "длинная рекламная передача" или "телемагазин".
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'infommercial' or 'informercial'.
- Using it to refer to any short TV commercial.
Practice
Quiz
What is a defining characteristic of an infomercial?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. While both are TV ads, an infomercial is much longer (often 5-30 minutes) and is structured like a programme with demonstrations and testimonials, whereas a standard commercial is a short spot.
Yes, though their format has evolved. While still on late-night TV, they are now also highly prevalent on digital platforms like social media and streaming services as 'long-form video ads'.
Traditionally, 'As Seen on TV' items like kitchen gadgets, fitness equipment, cleaning tools, and self-help products. They are often items that benefit from a detailed demonstration.
It often does, suggesting a formulaic, over-hyped, and sometimes deceptive sales pitch. However, in a business context, it is a neutral term for a specific advertising model.