Which slogan did McDonald's introduce in 1971 in one of its most famous advertising campaigns?

McDonald's introduced the slogan “You Deserve a Break Today” in 1971.

The line became one of the company's most memorable advertising themes because it presented a McDonald's visit as a rewarding pause in a busy day. Rather than describing only the food, the slogan sold a mood: convenience, relaxation, and a small personal treat. That emotional positioning helped define McDonald's advertising during the 1970s.

The slogan is sometimes confused with “You, You're the One,” an earlier McDonald's advertising line, or with “I'm Lovin' It,” the campaign introduced decades later. McDonald's used many slogans across different periods, so identifying the year is important when comparing them.

“You Deserve a Break Today” also became notable as a musical advertising jingle. Its broad message helped establish the pattern of pairing a short, repeatable phrase with a distinctive melody and highly recognizable restaurant imagery.