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This study investigates whether metaphors in advertising have a synergistic or compensatory effect on brand personality perceptions of utilitarian and symbolic products. The effects of metaphoric headlines versus pictures are also compared. In general, brands using metaphors in ads were perceived to be more sophisticated and exciting, but less sincere and competent than those using literal headlines or pictures. Ad attitudes, brand attitudes, and purchase intention were also enhanced with metaphoric advertising. In addition, compared with utilitarian products, symbolic products were perceived to be more sophisticated and exciting, but less sincere and competent. It is interesting to note that when metaphors were used for utilitarian products, perceptions of sophistication and excitement were enhanced, whereas sincerity was diluted. The results suggest that metaphors can be strategically used to influence brand personality perceptions, particularly for utilitarian products. Theoretical and managerial implications, as well as directions for future research, conclude this paper.
Ang et al. (Mon,) studied this question.