8 Propaganda Techniques

Vocabulary flashcards detailing eight core propaganda techniques, along with key illustrative examples from Animal Farm and real-world advertising.

Name Calling (ad hominem)

A propaganda technique that involves attacking an opponent personally rather than addressing their ideas, designed to create hatred against them instead of considering their beliefs.

Common Enemy / "Transfer"

A propaganda technique that blames a single person or group to simplify complex problems, or associates positive or negative feelings from one symbol/cause (e.g., patriotism or eco-friendliness) onto a brand or idea.

Testimonials / Endorsement

A propaganda technique that uses the voice of a trusted figure, expert, or celebrity to sway emotions and opinions, gaining credibility by linking the message to someone admired or respected.

Glittering Generalities

A propaganda technique using vague, attractive slogans or catch-phrases that sound inspiring but cannot actually be proven true or false, moving audiences emotionally without offering concrete evidence.

Plain Folks

A propaganda technique where the speaker presents themselves as an average, relatable person who understands the audience's daily struggles, creating a sense of trust.

Bandwagon

A propaganda technique encouraging people to follow the crowd so they do not feel left out, operating on the premise that if everyone is doing or buying something, it must be right or good.

Card Stacking

A propaganda technique that manipulates an audience by highlighting only the positive arguments for one side while ignoring or hiding all negative facts, flaws, or unfairness.

Fear Tactic

A propaganda technique that uses danger or scary scenarios to trigger an instinctual reaction and force compliance by appealing directly to fear.

FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)

A psychological appeal frequently used in bandwagon advertising to convince consumers that "everyone" is buying a product or attending an event.

Boxer's Motto ("I will work harder")

An Animal Farm example of endorsement/testimonial where an admired, dedicated figure inspires other animals to follow suit.

Pig "Brainwork" Defense

An Animal Farm example of card stacking where leaders justify extra rations by emphasizing mental labor to protect the farm while hiding the unfairness to other animals.

"You don't want Jones to come back, do you?"

A specific fear tactic used by Squealer in Animal Farm to threaten the animals with a frightening scenario and force their immediate compliance.