As someone who grew up in a sales household (my dad was a salesman for 50 years and always encouraged me to get in sales, which I did to my detriment, (but that's a subject for another blog) but I still am always interested in sales trends, marketing and advertising. In a recent issue, Trends reported that a study by experts had identified the 12 most persuasive words in the English language. They were listed as:

"money, save, new, you, results, health, safety, easy, guarantee, discovery, proven and love."

Trends also mentions that public relations people and advertising copy writers are wondering how the study managed to overlook "free," which along with "new," was long considered one of "the best-selling words in the language."

There are more not listed. Another one not listed (actually might be considered a phrase): Money-back guarantee. A phrase put in advertising all the time, but how many times have you tried to get your money back and found you had to get permission to return it or found them telling you that you didn't read the fine print? Worst offender: T-Mobile.

And another: clinically proven. But this might also be considered a phrase. This one I see all the time. Used in just about every diet pill ad or drug ad.

The next time you see an E-Harmony ad, watch how many times they use most of the words listed here. You'll see exactly what I mean and is it just me, or does that old man in the ad make your skin crawl? Not because he's old. He's just…slimy.

What other words do you see frequently in ads? Feel free to comment.

Next blog: weasel words.