Pitchman Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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pitchman

[ˈpɪtʃmən ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

advertising

A pitchman is a person who promotes a product or service through persuasive speech or presentation.

Synonyms

promoter, salesperson, spokesperson.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
pitchman	Often used in the context of someone who is actively and energetically selling a product, sometimes on TV or at live events. The pitchman demonstrated the new blender's multiple features during the cooking show. At the fair, a pitchman convinced many people to try the new snack.
salesperson	Refers to someone whose primary job is to sell products or services directly to customers, usually in a store or as part of a company's sales team. The salesperson helped me find the perfect laptop for my needs. Every successful salesperson knows how to listen to the customer's needs.
promoter	Used when referring to someone who organizes and advertises events, or promotes products, services, or ideas in a broader sense. The promoter did a great job organizing the band's concert tour. A promoter is highlighting the benefits of the new health program.
spokesperson	Used for someone who speaks on behalf of a company, organization, or group, often in official or formal settings. The spokesperson for the company addressed the media after the product recall. As the spokesperson for the charity, she answered all questions at the press conference.

Examples of usage

The pitchman on the infomercial convinced me to buy the new kitchen gadget.
The pitchman at the car dealership was very charismatic.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

entertainment

In show business, a pitchman is a person who presents or sells tickets for a performance.

Synonyms

barker, hawker, promoter.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
pitchman	Used to refer to a person who tries to persuade people to buy something, often by giving a strong, enthusiastic speech. The pitchman at the market was attracting a crowd with his fast-talking sales pitch. Every TV commercial seemed to feature the same energetic pitchman.
barker	Used when talking about someone who shouts to attract customers to entertainment events like fairs or carnivals, typically emphasizing the excitement and energy of the event. The barker outside the circus tent was calling everyone to see the amazing acts inside. At the carnival, the barker's loud voice could be heard over the noise of the crowd.
hawker	Refers to someone who sells goods, often small items, by calling out and moving from place to place, commonly used in street markets or busy public places. The hawker was selling fresh fruit and vegetables at the market. Streets were filled with hawkers offering everything from clothes to souvenirs.
promoter	Used to describe a person who organizes and advertises events, such as concerts or sports events, focusing on the promotional aspect rather than direct selling. The concert promoter worked hard to ensure the event was a sell-out success. Promoters play a key role in bringing large-scale events to cities.

Examples of usage

The pitchman outside the theater was drawing a large crowd.
The carnival pitchman lured people in with promises of excitement.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

Television infomercials have popularized the concept of the pitchman, using charismatic hosts to sell products directly to the audience.
Famous pitchmen like Billy Mays became beloved figures, noted for their energetic delivery and persuasive techniques.
Movies often portray pitchmen as charming yet dubious characters, reflecting public skepticism about overly enthusiastic selling.

Psychology

Pitchmen often use principles of persuasion, such as social proof and scarcity, to motivate purchases.
Research shows that a charismatic delivery can significantly enhance the effectiveness of sales pitches.
Emotional appeals are commonly used in pitching to connect with potential customers on a personal level.

History

Traveling salesmen, precursors to modern pitchmen, roamed communities in the 19th century, selling wares directly to consumers.
The Great Depression saw a rise in door-to-door selling techniques, where pitchmen played a vital role in economic survival.
By the late 20th century, direct response television ads transformed pitchmen into celebrity figures.

Business Strategy

Pitchmen are often equipped with a deep understanding of marketing strategies, tailoring their techniques to specific audiences.
In the age of digital marketing, many pitchmen have transitioned to online platforms, using social media to reach broader audiences.
Their ability to create compelling narratives around products is critical in influencing consumer behavior.

Origin of 'pitchman'

Main points about word origin

The term 'pitch' comes from the act of throwing or tossing, reflecting how these individuals 'throw' ideas about their products to potential buyers.
The suffix '-man' signifies a person involved in a particular activity, indicating someone who actively promotes or sells.
In the early 20th century, the word began being associated with traveling salesmen who used engaging presentations.

The term 'pitchman' originated in the late 19th century in the United States. It comes from the idea of someone making a sales pitch or presentation to attract customers. Pitchmen were commonly used in various industries to promote products and services, creating a lively and engaging atmosphere for potential buyers. Over time, the term expanded to include those who promote entertainment events and attractions, adding a sense of showmanship to their sales tactics.

See also: pitch, pitcher, pitchfork, pitching.