Vintage ad for toilet paper so cheap even a Scotswoman will spring for it

Originally posted 11 February 2009

Addendum posted 10 May 2009

This ad, taken in the context of its day -- which I would guess is the 1940s or early 1950s -- is unmistakably portraying a Scotswoman. Although the stereotype of the cheap Scotsman isn't as widely known in the US today, going back a few decades it was an ethnic stereotype that was used freely, often making the Scots the butt of jokes.

There are other examples in advertising that capitalized on supposed Scottish frugality. The Studebaker Scotsman automobile, for example, was so named because it was a low-priced model (read more HERE). And Scotch tape got its name -- and its distinctive plaid packaging -- from the same stereotype (read more HERE).

Found at Lulu's Vintage.

Comments

[Screamin' Demon]

A woman wearing a tartan hat and carrying a matching tartan coin purse is automatically a "Scotswoman"?

And that somehow makes this a "racist" ad?

We go out of your way to find "racism," don't we?

[DWallace]

I'm Scottish. I find being called "frugal" a compliment!

[Gabbi]

I love your vintage ad finds.

Stereotypes existed in advertising then and still does today, can't pretend otherwise.

Thank you for sharing with us!

[ptet]

Screamin' Demon... The blogger didn't say "racist", he said stereotype. Your comment is stupid.

Great site, great blog... And all the better for me - a scotsman - because it's free :)

[Cactus Wren]

Well into the 1970s, Safeway's store label for groceries was "Scotch Buy".

[Courtney]

Hey i'm doing a project on toilet paper and i was wondering if you could tell me exactly where you found that add

[Paula Zargaj-Reynolds]

Courtney, I found it at Lulu's Vintage -- http://blog.lulusvintage.com/

[viagra online]

This toilet paper reminds me of my grandmother and she used it ... brought me good memories of this ad!