11 Ads From the ’90s That Everyone Quoted
Some commercials do more than just sell a product — they become part of the way we talk. The ’90s were packed with ads that delivered lines so catchy, they were repeated in school hallways, family dinners, and everywhere in between.
- Tricia Quitales
- 5 min read
The 1990s gave us some of the most iconic catchphrases in advertising history, and many of them stuck around far longer than the products they promoted. These commercials became a shared language among kids, teens, and adults alike. Whether it was a fast-food slogan or a goofy voice from a cereal box, these quotes echoed through classrooms, offices, and homes.
1. “Got Milk?”
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The “Got Milk?” campaign was simple, but the slogan became one of the most recognizable phrases of the decade. The ads often featured people regretting that they ran out of milk at the worst moment. With white mustaches and celebrity cameos, the line became cool and memorable. It was quoted by kids and adults, and even parodied endlessly in pop culture. The phrase is still recognized decades later.
2. “Yo Quiero Taco Bell”
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Taco Bell’s chihuahua stole the spotlight in the late ’90s with its charming voice and Spanish catchphrase, “Yo Quiero Taco Bell.” The line quickly spread beyond the commercial and became a joke among friends and families. The talking dog was everywhere, and the ad’s popularity skyrocketed. People who had never even eaten at Taco Bell knew the phrase. It was catchy, quirky, and totally ’90s.
3. “I’m Lovin’ It”
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Although it debuted in the early 2000s, the roots of McDonald’s “I’m Lovin’ It” campaign started building in the late ’90s. The phrase became a natural thing to say after a good bite or fun moment. McDonald’s took a simple idea and gave it musical energy. It quickly turned into a casual quote, both in and outside of restaurants. The phrase crossed into everyday language almost immediately.
4. “Wassup?!”
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Budweiser’s “Wassup?!” ad became a cultural explosion after airing in 1999. Friends saying “Wassup?!” in exaggerated voices became a hilarious greeting. It spread like wildfire through TV shows, commercials, and even late-night sketches. The line had no real meaning, yet everyone knew what it meant. It was a perfect example of how a silly phrase could turn into a nationwide inside joke.
5. “It’s Not Delivery, It’s DiGiorno”
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DiGiorno changed the frozen pizza game with its confident slogan. The commercial delivered the line with such dramatic flair that it instantly stuck with viewers. It made frozen pizza sound like a secret weapon for dinner parties. People started repeating it jokingly anytime takeout was mentioned. It gave the brand a unique edge in a crowded market.
6. “Can You Hear Me Now?”
Verizon on wikimedia
Before smartphones dominated, Verizon made signal strength part of the cultural conversation. The line, “Can you hear me now?” was delivered in dozens of commercials with the same dry tone. It became a universal phrase used during dropped calls, bad connections, or just to be funny. Everyone knew exactly what it referenced. The simplicity of the line helped it live far beyond the ad itself.
7. “Snap Into a Slim Jim!”
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Wrestler “Macho Man” Randy Savage brought wild energy to Slim Jim commercials with his intense delivery of “Snap into a Slim Jim!” The ads were loud, chaotic, and completely unforgettable. Kids would mimic the line in classrooms and on playgrounds. It added a dose of attitude to a snack food. The phrase became more famous than the product itself.
8. “Double Your Pleasure, Double Your Fun”
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Wrigley’s Doublemint Gum used this slogan for years, but the ’90s gave it new life with twin-themed ads. The jingle was catchy and smooth, and people would often sing it or reference it whenever “double” came up in conversation. The repetition of the phrase made it stick in people’s heads. Even those who didn’t chew gum remembered the tune. It became a sweet piece of pop culture vocabulary.
9. “Time to Make the Donuts”
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Dunkin’ Donuts created a tired, lovable character named Fred the Baker who muttered, “Time to make the donuts.” His daily grind struck a chord with early risers and overworked adults everywhere. The line became a way to joke about long mornings or boring routines. Fred’s voice and expression made the quote even more relatable. It was funny because it felt so real.
10. “Maybe She’s Born With It. Maybe It’s Maybelline.”
L’Oréal on wikimedia
This beauty ad became one of the most repeated phrases in makeup history. The mystery and rhythm of the line made it perfect for parodies and playful teasing. It turned into a sarcastic compliment or joke about natural beauty. The delivery always felt polished and cool. Even people outside the beauty world quoted it regularly.
11. “I Don’t Wanna Grow Up, I’m a Toys ‘R’ Us Kid”
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The Toys ‘R’ Us jingle was every kid’s anthem in the ’90s. The line spoke to the joy of childhood and the desire to never leave it behind. Kids sang it in stores and in their bedrooms, dreaming of toy-filled aisles. It wasn’t just a slogan — it was a mindset. Even adults found themselves humming it long after their toy-buying years.