Connotations and Denotations -

Apple -

Denotation -

A fruit which grows on tree's and is usually red and/or green in colour.

Connotation -

To the younger generation of people, the word 'apple', or the slick silver symbol connotes one thing and one thing only, technology. The brand has created many new and exciting modern pieces which the younger generation uses everyday e.g. the Iphone, the Ipad, the Ipod and the mac-book pro. However, this is not the case for everyone, as e.g. the older generation may not associate the word 'apple' with technology at all, as (stereo-typically) they do not use any of the items the brand has created, therefore they may still connote the word with the actual meaning. Another example would be people who live in quieter areas such as the countryside, as they are less likely to see the image of the apple or it's products advertised as often as people who live in more built up, urban areas, such as towns and cities, therefore their connotation of the word may be different again.

Citroen -

Denotation -

A major French car manufacturer.

Connotation -

The word 'Citroen' may mean different things to different people. To the older generation (people who are able to drive) 'Citroen' may mean something purely unique to them. Imagine that a driver had bought a Citroen, and it was the best car they had ever had e.g. cheap to run, comfortable, no problems etc. their connotation of 'Citroen' may be 'reliable' or 'comfort' However, the word may mean something completely different to a driver who may have had a bad experience of a Citroen e.g. uncomfortable, unreliable, not stylish.Their connotation would most likely be 'awful' 'basic' 'appalling' etc. The word may also have a different meaning to very young people, like children, who do not have an interest or understanding in cars. They may not even know what the word means or what it is associated to, but may recognise the symbol if e.g. their parents have a Citroen. To people from a wealthy background who have large amounts of money, they may connote Citroen with the words "bog standard" and "cheap" as they are most likely used to driving more high quality, up-market, stylish cars such as Porches and Ferrari's etc.

Male -

Denotation -

The sex that produces small, typically motile gametes, with which a female may be fertilized

Connotation -

The word 'male' may mean different things to different people, although unlike other words, it does not have a hidden meaning, as everybody on the planet can recognise a male as a male, and a female as a female. However although everybody can tell who is a male and who is not, the word has specific, personal meanings to different people, for example, to an existing parent, the word may mean 'son'. However children may connote the word to their father and so to them the word 'male' will most likely be recognised as 'dad' or 'daddy'. To the women of the world, the word is most likely interpreted as 'husband', 'boyfriend' or 'partner'. Males may connote the word with either themselves, 'friends' or 'mates'.

McDonald's -

Denotation -

The worlds largest chain of fast food restaurants.

Connotation -

To the younger children of the world, the name McDonald's or the huge yellow 'M' may be associated with the words 'treat' or 'surprise' as usually parents only take their children to fast food restaurant's once every blue moon, maybe after a cinema trip. Therefore, to young children, the thought of tucking into a delicious batch of chicken nuggets and getting their hands on a brand new Happy Meal toy is extremely exciting. However, all words, names and symbols change depending on the person, so, to an older child e.g. a teenager, the name 'McDonald's' may be recognised as a 'social' meeting place, somewhere to see friends, as well as eat quick and easy food. To someone of the older generation, the name McDonald's may send shivers down their spine as they may connote the word to 'noise' or 'disruption' as they may have had a bad experience of the restaurant.

No Entry -

Denotation -

To keep out of a particular area which may be private or dangerous etc.

Connotation -

To most people this red and white circular sign is very recognisable, as it is used in many places including on the roads and in places people should not enter. Due to it's red colouring it tends to connote 'danger' or 'warning.' However, young children who may not recognise the sign may connote it with the words 'circle' or 'red and white' as this is what catches the eye.

Rolling Stones -

Denotation -

The body opening through which an animal intakes food and water.

Connotation -

To many people this distinctive red and white 'open mouth' is a symbol of classic rock music, as it is the sign of English rock band the Rolling Stones. To people who grew up in this era who listened to their music may connote the symbol with the words 'youth', 'party', 'concerts' or maybe even the era when it was most recognisable - 'the 70's'. However, to people who may not have enjoyed the stones' music, the symbol may be connoted as 'noise' or 'terrible' However, to people who have never heard of the stones or do not take an interest in classic rock music, the sign may just appear to be exactly what it is - a brightly coloured, cartoon style mouth.

Olympic Rings -

Denotation -

A number of sporting events which take place in different countries around the world every 4 years.

Connotation -

To people who follow sport, this symbol is extremely recognisable and will mean one thing, and one thing only, the Olympics. These specific people may see this symbol and think of connotations such as 'sport' 'pride' or 'gold medal' they may also pick out a connotation of their favorite event at the Olympics, such as 'long jump' However, to people who are not interested in sport, they may see this symbol and connote words such as 'circular' or 'colourful' as this is what they see.

Union Jack/Great British Flag -

Denotation -

The national flag of Great Britain 

Connotation -

To people from the UK, this flag may be referred to with powerful connotations such as 'pride','homeland' or 'patriotic'.These words are commonly used when people from that specific country or nation see their flag waving high in the sky, as they are proud of what it means to them. Also, it may give them a feeling of being 'united' as it brings together millions of people from that nation. However, to people from a different country or even continent, it may connote things such as 'elegant' or 'riches' as it may be associated with Buckingham palace, as the union jack flies above it's roof. It may also be connoted as 'bright' or even 'red, white and blue' as these are the colours used within the flag. 

The Star Of David -

Denotation -

The religious symbol for Judaism. 

Connotation -

To the Jewish community, this is a sign of religion and may be connoted with the words 'peace' and 'hope', just as the cross is to Christians. To a Jew, this symbol may also be connoted with words such as 'Synagogue' or 'Bar Mitzvah' as these are some of the main parts of being a Jew. However, it may also be connoted with the words 'death' 'mass murder' and 'holocaust' as this was the sign Jewish people were made to wear during Hitlers Nazi revolution in the second world war. To people who have no association with the religion or any religion at all, the symbol may connote 'star' or 'triangles.'