Semiotic Study of Phallic Symbolism

Phallic Symbolism
Semiotics
Group-10
Introduction to Phallic
Symbols
• Phallus can refer to an erect
penis, or to an object shaped like
a penis
• They are symbols of fertility,
power and male domination
Modern Use of the Phallus

• The Phallus is often used to
advertise pornographic means, as
well as the sale of contraception.
It has often been used in
provocative practical jokes and
has been the central focus of
adult-audience performances
A horse is a male
phallic symbol, an
outsider, like the
masculine penis, which
is outside and strives to
penetrate her. Like the
Trojan horse, which
deflowered the city.
Not only has a necktie been a
symbol of male superiority and
dominance but it’s shaped like
an arrow pointing down at you
know where!
This necktie in fact represents

two phallic symbols – the tie
itself and the gun. Bullets,
guns, torpedoes, bombs and
the like are quintessential
icons of masculinity and
power.
Missiles and rockets blasting off
into space are phallic symbols
with driving purpose. No one
misses the significance of an
explosion of fireworks at the
culmination of a romantic scene.
Trains, especially
aerodynamic bullet trains,
have become so entrenched
as phallic symbols in films,
they have lost all semblance
of subtlety. Is there any
doubt as to the meaning of a
Phallic Symbols & Media
Herbie Mann’s album cover

suggests that he has a talent with
more than one kind of flute
(general wind instruments)
Morrissey’s microphone looks

extremely phallic adding on to a
very innocuous “Your Arsenal”!
The snake is a phallic
symbol and an offspring of
the Land, herself the
symbol of the Mother. It
comes from her, it is her
penis. Snakes have
symbolized masculinity at
its darkest. It is no
coincidence that evil aliens
are characteristically
phallus shaped.
Going beyond simple phallic
symbolism, fountains,
gushing oil wells, shower
heads, and spewing water
hoses all represent male
domination. The shower
scene in “Psycho” is a classic
example.
This book cover not
only refers to the
male’s penis saying
“A Mind of its Own”
but if you observe
you will see that the
‘O’ of Own has been
placed at a very
strategic position!
Slapstick comedies so much so
demand such ‘right-in-your-face’
phallic symbols. Cleverly, the
phallic symbol used it also one
of the most commonly used
phallic symbol i.e. tall
buildings. This one is blatantly
circular and thins out at the top
as it depicting ‘drilling’
Alright then.
JWT'S CAMPAIGN for Bar-
One
invites men to reclaim their
masculinity by positioning
the chocolate bar as a not-
so-subtle phallic symbol
Interestingly even the axe is
used as a phallic symbol as it
shows here between the two
girls.
AXE, which so obviously follows the

previous comment. It is said that the ‘A’ of
the logo depicts the penis whereas the ‘E’
depicts the vagina.
In the Nokia ad, there are 3
phallic symbols, the most obvious
being the sprinkler, ejaculating
white liquid into the spread
eagled woman's legs.
There is also the pyramid and the

tower in the background.
BBC
Possibly the item most

associated
as a phallic symbol is the
gun,
representing the aspects of
male
masculinity and
testosterone.
Ford
A natural extension of
your arm. An organic
experience? Or the
nerve centre of all
things fast?
Coke
In this case artwork was
used to create a subliminal
image in an ice cube.
Lynx
The phallus is quite small,

appearing as the actual
product itself in the bottom
right corner.
Bread
The phallic symbol in this

case is the bread.
The wording of the

advertisement further
emphasizes the concept.
This phallic symbol of
note represents Faber
Castell’s dominance
and strength over the
other pencil brands
Phallic Symbols by Chance?
Atherton Car Centre

Hoobastank Sticker
Logo of a beauty salon.

Logo of a Brazilian University Ah! there’s a man in every woman. Who kne
Limca ad
• Narrative
• Characterization
• Basic themes
• Setting
• Iconography
Thank you!

Semiotic Study of Phallic Symbolism

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What are some common objects that are used as phallic symbols?

How have phallic symbols been used in advertising?

Phallic Symbolism

Modern Use of the Phallus

This necktie in fact represents

Herbie Mann’s album cover

Morrissey’s microphone looks

AXE, which so obviously follows the

There is also the pyramid and the

Possibly the item most

The phallus is quite small,

The phallic symbol in this

The wording of the

Atherton Car Centre

Logo of a beauty salon.

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