Phallic Symbolism

SemioticsGroup-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 train rushing full speed ahead into a tunnel?

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-Oneinvites 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 Brazilian UniversityLogo of a beauty salon.

Ah! there’s a man in every woman. Who knew?

Limca ad• Narrative• Characterization• Basic themes• Setting• Iconography

Thank you!