Taco Bell UK is risking the wrath of the easily offended with a new tongue in cheek outdoor and social media campaign which brings new a new meaning to the phrase ‘See You Next Tuesday’.
The campaign, devised by independent creative agency The Or, invites UK consumers to enjoy Taco Bell’s Taco Tuesday, where customers can get a taco and a drink for £2.
Running in locations across the UK, including in London, Leeds, Edinburgh and Birmingham, the agency insists the activity is aimed at putting a positive spin on the phrase, which is often typed out as “c u next Tuesday”. It forms an acronym rebus that, when taken together, stands for c**t.
The activity will be supported by video ads which carry on the theme and will run on Taco Bell UK’s social channels. They include the lines: “Festival drinks requiring a bank loan… That’s a See You Next Tuesday” and “Barber doing you dirty…That’s a See You Next Tuesday.”
Taco Bell UK head of marketing Lucy Dee explains that we all deserve something to look forward to. She added: “The Or has perfectly grasped this through the lens of British humour, creating an eye-catching campaign that frames Taco Tuesday as a weekly highlight and unmissable pick me up.”
The Or executive creative director Dan Morris added: “The incredible offer of a £2 taco and drink in this economy is almost guaranteed to become a landmark weekly moment.
“In fact, it’s so powerful that Brits may even start using ‘See You Next Tuesday’ as a way to describe the uplifting spa day for your soul that bargain tacos give you, rather than to hint at a certain offensive slur. Hopefully.”
Whether certain members of the public will think it is amusing is another matter, however. Last year, a Sky TV campaign which featured the line “What the fudge?” triggered a raft of complaints to the Advertising Standards Authority from enraged viewers, who challenged whether the ad was offensive as it alluded to an expletive. Others challenged whether the ad was scheduled inappropriately, as it was broadcast throughout the day when children could be watching.
However, in its ruling, the ASA dismissed the complaints, stating that while it acknowledged some viewers might find the use of the word distasteful, it was unlikely to cause serious or widespread offence.
Related stories
Forget f**k you motherfu, only one expletive is allowed
KFC owner warns customers over potential data theft
KFC owner Yum! launches data skills academy in the UK
