
It can be romantic, dramatic, dangerous or just plain fabulous, depending on how it is used, which shade, where and in what quantity. That’s why it’s definitely worth considering in your marketing literature.

Red is versatile, impactful and impossible to ignore. In China red is the colour of prosperity, while here in Blighty being ‘in the red’ means overdrawn. Red also has financial connotations in different ways, depending on where in the world you live. The phrase 'the real McCoy' came from Scotland, and refers to something of the highest quality.Maccoy has 2 variant forms: MacCoy and McCoy. In India a red dress represents purity, and is traditionally worn by Indian brides. Maccoy meaning and definition, what is Maccoy: The boys name Maccoy m(a)- is of Irish and Gaelic origin, and the meaning of Maccoy is 'son of Hugh'. Research by Adam Pazda, Assistant Professor of Psychology at the University of South Carolina, demonstrated ‘the red dress effect’. Studies have proven that wearing red on a date can actually make women appear more attractive. It is the colour of attraction, desire and love, and is almost always used on Valentine’s cards and any other printed materials or products associated with romance. It can have a physiological effect too, stimulating the metabolism and increasing appetite, so it’s often seen on brands associated with food and restaurants (Maccy D’s anyone?). Red is such a powerful colour that it is the first one newborn babies see as their eyes grow and develop. ‘Seeing red’ means someone is angry, a ‘red letter day’ is a day to remember, and a ‘red flag’ is a warning sign. The colour appears in many common phrases too. In the UK Labour is represented by a red rose, while in America the states that consistently vote Republican are known as the red states. Red represents power, and is therefore the colour of choice for political parties on both sides of the pond. It is used on many countries’ flags, and for this reason it is the colour of one of the five Olympic rings. Dita Von Tees, the queen of burlesque, famously said “Heels and red lipstick will put the fear of God into people.” Red is perceived by many as dangerous and intimidating, which is perhaps why it features heavily on so many football kits of the countries competing in Euro 2021, including Switzerland, Belgium, Turkey and Poland, to name a few.

Those who wear it are confident and mean business. And who could miss the flash of a red-lacquered sole on an expensive pair of Louboutin heels? Some of the world’s most iconic brands, such as Coca-Cola, Virgin, use it. It can symbolise danger or warning, love and passion, glamour, power, anger or luxury. This primary colour has many meanings and connotations. There’s no denying red makes a bold statement, so it’s an excellent choice for marketers who want their brand to stand out from the crowd.
MACCY MEANING SERIES
Colour theory – red: passion, power and politicsĪs part of our series on colour theory, we’re examining the colour red this month.
