pegadizo

Pegadizo is an adjective in Spanish used to describe anything that tends to stick in memory or be easily recalled and repeated. It is commonly applied to songs, slogans, advertisements, phrases, or ideas whose content is likely to stay in the listener’s or reader’s mind, as well as to other content that proves especially memorable or contagious. In this sense, a catchy tune or a memorable slogan is described as pegadizo.

Etymology and nuance: the term comes from pegar, meaning to stick, and conveys the idea that the message adheres to memory or public consciousness. Unlike pegajoso, which more often refers to physical stickiness, pegadizo is typically used for intangible qualities related to communication, entertainment, or branding.

Usage and context: in marketing and media, creating a pegadizo message or format is a strategy to improve retention and diffusion. It is frequently discussed in relation to music, advertising, educational content, and viral media. Features that contribute to pegadizo content include simplicity, rhythmic or phonetic patterns, repetition, rhyme, and emotional resonance. The concept is closely related to terms such as “hook” in advertising and music, or “contenido pegadizo” in digital media.

Regional and stylistic notes: pegadizo is widely understood across Spanish-speaking communities and is typically used to describe content designed to be remembered and shared. It contrasts with more forgettable or ordinary material, and while it can be praise, it may also imply a cliché if the appeal relies only on repetition without substance.