The slogan was later trademarked by Outhouse Designs and used to market T-shirts, hats, and mugs.

One interpretation of the slogan is as a reference to the many small businesses in Austin, which give the city its unique cultural identity.

A recently released book on the topic, Weird City, discusses the cultural evolution of the "Keep Austin Weird" movement as well as its commercialization and socio-political significance.

Austin's message of support for local businesses has inspired similar movements in other cities, including Denton, Texas; Santa Cruz, California; Portland, Oregon; Tampa, Florida; Raleigh, North Carolina; Decatur, Georgia; Ann Arbor, Michigan; Louisville, Kentucky; Fayetteville, Arkansas; Indianapolis, Indiana; Missoula, Montana; Albuquerque, New Mexico; Arlington County, Virginia; and Boulder, Colorado.

The "Keep Austin Weird" slogan reaches far beyond a marketing campaign, however. Austin reflects a culture of artistic and individual expression that maintains the city as a vibrant and eclectic creative center. In a mostly conservative Texas, Austin is "Weird" because it continues to be progressive in the arts and music. "Keep Austin Weird", moves beyond a mere slogan, to reflect the dynamics that encompass Austin.

For example, in January 2009 alone over 1700 live music venues were supported . Few cities in the world could boast such a broad spectrum of tastes. In addition, multiple festivals such as SXSW, Austin City Limits , Armadillo Bazaar and the Batfest, among many others are highly attended with far reaching audiences.

Austin's culture is further enriched by a multitude of artists such as actress Sandra Bullock, athlete Lance Armstrong, writer Bruce Sterling, film director Richard Linklater, actor Matthew McConaughey and fashion designer Tom Ford.

There are many other notable figures who make Austin their home exactly because the culture is "Weird" and highly supportive of artistic and creative personalities.

"Keep Austin Weird" seemingly promotes an independent, anti-corporate Austin, yet Outhouse Designs trademarked the slogan in 2003 and has used it ever since. Andrew Allemann, host of a satirical "Make Austin Normal" website, asks: "How can you have a commercial slogan that screams anti-corporation?"

Despite this criticism, the Keep Austin Weird campaign has proven successful. In April 2003, Borders bookstore withdrew plans to build a store near local bookstore BookPeople and local music shop Waterloo Records. In an article published by the Daily Texan, Abhinav Kumar writes: