The phrase “Extra Extra Read All About It” has become an ingrained part of our popular culture. It’s a chant that evokes images of newsboys shouting in the streets, waving newspapers in the air, and beckoning passersby to come and read the latest headlines. But have you ever wondered what this iconic phrase really means and how it originated? In this article, we’ll delve into the history of “Extra Extra Read All About It” and explore its significance in the context of journalism, advertising, and popular culture.
A Brief History Of The Newsboy Chant
The phrase “Extra Extra Read All About It” has its roots in the early days of American journalism, dating back to the mid-19th century. During this time, newspapers were the primary source of news and information for the general public. However, with the advent of the telegraph and subsequent technological advancements, news could now be disseminated rapidly across the country.
As a result, newspapers began to produce “extras” – special editions that contained breaking news or updates on important events. These extras were typically sold on the streets by newsboys, who would shout out the headlines to attract potential customers. The phrase “Extra Extra Read All About It” was likely used by these newsboys to grab attention and entice people to buy the latest edition.
The Role Of Newsboys In The Late 19th And Early 20th Centuries
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, newsboys played a crucial role in disseminating news to the general public. These young boys, often between the ages of 6 and 12, would buy newspapers from the publisher at a wholesale price and then sell them on the streets at a markup. The newsboys were responsible for their own sales, and their earnings depended on their ability to attract customers.
The newsboys’ chant of “Extra Extra Read All About It” was an essential part of their sales pitch. They would shout out the headlines, often in a rhythmic or melodic tone, to grab the attention of passersby. The chant was also used to convey the importance and urgency of the news, enticing people to buy the latest edition.
The Evolution of the Newsboy Chant
Over time, the newsboy chant evolved to incorporate different variations and embellishments. Some newsboys would use creative phrases or wordplay to make their pitch more attention-grabbing. Others would use music or song to create a memorable and catchy tune.
The phrase “Extra Extra Read All About It” remains one of the most enduring and iconic elements of the newsboy chant. It has been used in various forms of media, including films, television shows, and advertisements, to evoke a sense of nostalgia and urgency.
The Significance Of “Extra Extra Read All About It” In Journalism And Advertising
The phrase “Extra Extra Read All About It” holds significant importance in the context of journalism and advertising. In journalism, the phrase represents the excitement and urgency of breaking news, as well as the importance of disseminating information to the public.
In advertising, the phrase is often used to create a sense of nostalgia and familiarity. Brands may use the phrase in their marketing campaigns to evoke a sense of trust and authority, drawing on the historical significance of the newsboy chant.
| Industry | Significance of “Extra Extra Read All About It” |
|---|---|
| Journalism | Represents the excitement and urgency of breaking news, as well as the importance of disseminating information to the public. |
| Advertising | Used to create a sense of nostalgia and familiarity, drawing on the historical significance of the newsboy chant. |
“Extra Extra Read All About It” In Popular Culture
The phrase “Extra Extra Read All About It” has appeared in various forms of popular culture, including films, television shows, and music. The phrase has been used to evoke a sense of nostalgia, urgency, and excitement, often in situations where news is being disseminated or important information is being shared.
In the 1992 film “Newsies,” the phrase is used as a rallying cry for the newsboys as they go on strike against the newspapers. In the film “Citizen Kane” (1941), the phrase is used to represent the excitement and urgency of breaking news.
The phrase has also appeared in various forms of advertising, including print and television commercials. Brands have used the phrase to create a sense of nostalgia and familiarity, drawing on the historical significance of the newsboy chant.
<h3Examples of “Extra Extra Read All About It” in Popular Culture
- Film: “Newsies” (1992), “Citizen Kane” (1941)
- Television: “The Simpsons” (1989), “Mad Men” (2007)
- Music: “Extra Extra Read All About It” by The Steve Miller Band (1975)
- Advertising: Print and television commercials for brands such as Coca-Cola and Ford
Conclusion
The phrase “Extra Extra Read All About It” has become an ingrained part of our popular culture, evoking images of newsboys shouting in the streets and beckoning passersby to come and read the latest headlines. But beyond its nostalgic appeal, the phrase holds significant importance in the context of journalism and advertising.
As we continue to navigate the ever-changing landscape of news and information, the phrase “Extra Extra Read All About It” remains a powerful symbol of the importance of disseminating information to the public. Whether used in journalism, advertising, or popular culture, the phrase is sure to continue to capture our attention and imagination for generations to come.
- Key Takeaway: The phrase “Extra Extra Read All About It” has become an ingrained part of our popular culture, evoking images of newsboys shouting in the streets and beckoning passersby to come and read the latest headlines.
- Historical Significance: The phrase has its roots in the early days of American journalism, dating back to the mid-19th century, when newspapers began to produce “extras” – special editions that contained breaking news or updates on important events.
What Is The Origin Of The “Extra Extra Read All About It” Chant?
The phrase “Extra Extra Read All About It” is often associated with the iconic image of a newsboy standing on the street corner and shouting the headline of the day’s newspaper. This image was a staple of American cities in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The chant was used to attract the attention of passersby and entice them to purchase a copy of the newspaper.
The phrase itself likely originated from the fact that when breaking news occurred, newspapers would often release an “extra” edition of the paper to report on the story. This special edition would be an additional print run, hence the “extra” label. By shouting “Extra Extra Read All About It,” the newsboy was announcing that this was a special edition, and that people should buy the paper to learn more.
What Kind Of News Warranted An “Extra” Edition?
The type of news that warranted an “extra” edition of the newspaper varied, but it was usually a major event or breaking news story. This could be a significant crime, a natural disaster, or a major accident. In the 19th century, it was common for newspapers to publish extra editions when major news broke, such as the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln in 1865.
In some cases, newspapers would also release extra editions to cover less significant news, such as the result of a big sporting event or a local election. The decision to release an extra edition would depend on the importance of the story and the demand from readers. The newsboy’s chant was a way to create a sense of urgency and excitement around the story, and to encourage people to buy the paper to learn more.
When Did The “Extra Extra Read All About It” Chant Become Iconic?
The “Extra Extra Read All About It” chant became iconic in the early 20th century, when it was featured in a number of films and TV shows. The most famous example is probably the 1942 film “Yankee Doodle Dandy,” which features a newsboy character shouting the phrase in a montage sequence.
However, it’s likely that the phrase was already well-known by this time, as it had been used in films and literature for many years. The phrase gained even more widespread use in the 1960s and 1970s, when it was featured in a number of TV shows and films, including the popular “Dick Tracy” cartoon.
Is The “Extra Extra Read All About It” Chant Still Used Today?
The “Extra Extra Read All About It” chant is no longer used in the same way that it was in the past, when newsboys would shout it on street corners to attract readers. Today, most newspapers are sold through subscription services or at newsstands, and the need for newsboys to advertise the latest edition is greatly reduced.
However, the phrase “Extra Extra Read All About It” is still used in various contexts, such as in advertising and marketing campaigns. It’s often used to evoke a sense of nostalgia and excitement around a particular news story or event. The phrase remains an iconic part of American cultural heritage, and its continued use is a testament to its enduring power and appeal.
How Has The “Extra Extra Read All About It” Chant Changed Over Time?
The “Extra Extra Read All About It” chant has changed over time, with different versions and variations of the phrase being used in different contexts. In some cases, the phrase has been modified to suit specific news stories or advertising campaigns.
For example, during World War II, newsboys would often shout “Extra Extra Read All About the War” to attract readers to newspapers covering the latest developments on the battlefield. In other cases, the phrase has been shortened to simply “Read All About It,” or modified to include specific keywords or slogans.
Why Has The “Extra Extra Read All About It” Chant Endured For So Long?
The “Extra Extra Read All About It” chant has endured for so long because of its catchy melody and memorable phraseology. The chant is easy to remember and fun to repeat, making it a popular choice for films, TV shows, and advertising campaigns.
The chant also evokes a sense of nostalgia and excitement around the news, which is a powerful combination. The idea of a breaking news story that is so important that it requires an extra edition of the newspaper is inherently compelling, and the “Extra Extra Read All About It” chant taps into this sense of urgency and excitement.
What Does The “Extra Extra Read All About It” Chant Mean In A Modern Context?
In a modern context, the “Extra Extra Read All About It” chant is often used to evoke a sense of nostalgia and excitement around the news. It’s often used in advertising campaigns or promotional materials to create a sense of urgency and importance around a particular news story or event.
However, the phrase can also be seen as a commentary on the changing nature of news and journalism in the digital age. With the rise of online news sources and social media, the traditional model of newspapers and newsboys is no longer relevant. The “Extra Extra Read All About It” chant is a reminder of a bygone era, when news was more exciting and unpredictable.