10 TV Catchphrases That Everyone Used to Say
These iconic TV catchphrases were once part of everyday conversations and still echo in pop culture today.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
Some television lines became bigger than the shows themselves, turning into household sayings repeated across schools, offices, and dinner tables. These catchphrases captured the spirit of their time and left an unforgettable imprint on American slang. Here are 10 classic TV catchphrases that everyone seemed to say at some point—and maybe still do.
1. “Did I do that?” – Steve Urkel, Family Matters
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Delivered in a squeaky voice after some chaotic accident, Steve Urkel’s signature line became a nationwide punchline. Whether knocking over a vase or messing up a project, people quoted it to own their blunders.
2. “How you doin’?” – Joey Tribbiani, Friends
Alan Light on Wikimedia Commons
Joey’s flirtatious one-liner became a meme before memes were a thing. It was playful, cheesy, and endlessly quotable.
3. “Whatchu talkin’ ‘bout, Willis?” – Arnold Jackson, Diff’rent Strokes
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This line was always delivered with a skeptical eyebrow and a serious side-eye. Young Arnold’s catchphrase poked fun at adult confusion and became a go-to retort.
4. “No soup for you!” – The Soup Nazi, Seinfeld
Nightscream on Wikimedia Commons
Blunt, bizarre, and oddly hilarious, this phrase came from one of the show’s most famous episodes. The line was used to joke about being denied anything, from food to favors.
5. “Yada yada yada…” – Various, Seinfeld
Zafrir Keren on Wikimedia Commons
This phrase let you skip the boring parts of a story—and Seinfeld made it iconic. It quickly entered real-life conversation as shorthand for details people didn’t want to explain.
6. “D’oh!” – Homer Simpson, The Simpsons
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A sound of instant regret, “D’oh!” captured every little mistake with comic timing. Homer’s groan-like word even made it into dictionaries. It’s short, punchy, and totally universal.
7. “I pity the fool!” – Mr. T, The A-Team
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Mr. T’s growl of disapproval was both tough and oddly endearing. Used to dismiss bad decisions or challenge rivals, it packed attitude in five words.
8. “Bazinga!” – Sheldon Cooper, The Big Bang Theory
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Sheldon’s quirky way of saying “just kidding” took off among fans. It was nerdy, sharp, and unmistakably his. People used it to highlight sarcasm or playful pranks.
9. “Book ‘em, Danno.” – Steve McGarrett, Hawaii Five-O
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This law-and-order command from the original Hawaii Five-O wrapped up episodes with dramatic flair. Cops, teachers, and bosses jokingly borrowed it to close a task or deliver a verdict.
10. “Kiss my grits!” – Flo, Alice
Tex Brook on Wikimedia Commons
Sassy and southern, this diner waitress’s retort was part insult, part charm. Flo’s catchphrase was directed at anyone who crossed her, from rude customers to clueless coworkers.