What was the title of McDonald's advertising slogan launched in 1971 that promised customers a break?

“You Deserve a Break Today” was the McDonald's advertising slogan launched in 1971.

The line presented a McDonald's visit as a welcome pause in a busy day. It became one of the company's most recognizable slogans and was supported by a memorable advertising jingle.

The campaign belongs to an earlier period of McDonald's brand communication, before the company moved through slogans such as “We Love to See You Smile” and eventually “I'm Lovin' It.” Each line reflected a different way of positioning the restaurant to customers.

The wording is sometimes shortened in casual references, but the canonical slogan is “You Deserve a Break Today.” Its exact phrasing matters because several later McDonald's campaigns also used themes of happiness, convenience, and everyday routines.