How Do You Spell PLUGOLA?

Pronunciation: [plʌɡˈə͡ʊlə] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "plugola" is interesting because it is not a commonly used term. It refers to secret payments made to a person in exchange for promoting a product or service. The phonetic transcription of this word is /plʌɡˈoʊlə/, where the stress is on the second syllable, "GO". The "o" sound is pronounced as a short "uh" sound, while the "g" sound is hard. The "a" at the end is pronounced as a schwa sound, similar to the "e" in "the."

PLUGOLA Meaning and Definition

1. Plugola is a term that originated in the world of broadcasting and refers to the act of secretly or improperly promoting a product or service on a radio or television program in exchange for undisclosed payments or gifts. It is considered a form of ethically questionable or illicit advertising because it involves subtly influencing the opinions or preferences of the audience without transparently disclosing the underlying sponsorship or financial arrangement.

   This practice typically involves a host or presenter endorsing or mentioning a particular product or brand during their on-air segments, without revealing that they have received compensation or other incentives for doing so. The aim of plugola is to create the illusion of an unbiased testimonial or organic discussion about the product, while in reality, it is an orchestrated promotion aiming to promote sales or generate interest.

   Plugola can have a detrimental effect on the credibility of the media outlet and the trust of the audience. It compromises the integrity of the programming and blurs the distinction between advertising and genuinely impartial content. Due to its deceptive nature, plugola is generally frowned upon by regulatory bodies, such as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the United States, and in many cases, it is illegal.

   Overall, plugola represents an underhanded tactic used to covertly market products or services, which undermines the principles of transparency, honesty, and fair competition in the broadcasting industry.

Common Misspellings for PLUGOLA

• plugooa

Etymology of PLUGOLA

The word "plugola" is derived from a combination of two English words: "plug" and "payola". Both words have a similar origin and became a part of popular slang in the United States during the mid-20th century.

The term "plug" originated from the verb "to plug", which means to promote or endorse a product or service. This usage of the word in advertising and marketing emerged around the early 20th century.

"Payola", on the other hand, is a blend of "pay" and "Victrola" (a phonograph brand), as it initially referred to the practice of paying bribes or offering incentives to radio disc jockeys or broadcasters in exchange for playing particular songs on the air. The term gained popularity in the 1950s when it was exposed as a widespread practice in the music industry.