11 Old-School TV Catchphrases That Still Get Stuck in Your Head

These 11 old-school TV catchphrases are so iconic that they still pop into your head at the most random moments.

Sophia Zapanta
March 19, 2025
4 min read

11 Old-School TV Catchphrases That Still Get Stuck in Your Head — Mizzu Cho on Pexels

Some TV lines are so legendary that they outlive the shows themselves. Decades later, these catchphrases still bring instant nostalgia and maybe even a chuckle. Let’s revisit the classics that refuse to be forgotten.

1. “Did I do that?” – Steve Urkel, Family Matters

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Steve Urkel’s whiny, nasally “Did I do that?” became a national catchphrase in the ’90s. This line was the go-to joke whenever something went wrong—big or small. Jaleel White’s nerdy character made it famous, and even if you never watched Family Matters, you probably know the phrase. It’s still used today when someone makes a clumsy mistake.

2. “How you doin’?” – Joey Tribbiani, Friends

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Matt LeBlanc’s Joey Tribbiani turned this simple question into an unforgettable pickup line. The way he said it—with a slow, flirty delivery—made it an instant classic. It’s still a go-to phrase for anyone trying (and usually failing) to sound smooth. Even Friends fans born after the show ended recognize it.

3. “What’chu talkin’ ’bout, Willis?” – Arnold Jackson, Diff’rent Strokes

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Gary Coleman’s sassy little Arnold Jackson made this line legendary. Anytime someone said something confusing or ridiculous, this was the perfect response. It was so popular that Coleman got tired of people shouting it at him. However, let’s be real—if someone says, “What’chu talkin’ ’bout,” your brain automatically adds, “Willis.”

4. “Yada, yada, yada.” – Elaine Benes, Seinfeld

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This Seinfeld phrase is the ultimate way to skip unnecessary details in a story. Elaine, played by Julia Louis-Dreyfus, used it to gloss over parts of a conversation, and it instantly caught on. Today, it’s still a common way to say, “You get the idea.” A joke from the ’90s that remains shorthand for cutting to the chase? Iconic.

5. “Bazinga!” – Sheldon Cooper, The Big Bang Theory

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Whenever Sheldon pulled a prank (or thought he did), he followed it up with a triumphant “Bazinga!” It became a signature catchphrase for the socially awkward genius. Fans of The Big Bang Theory still use it to emphasize a joke. You’ve probably heard someone say it even if you never watched the show.

6. “D’oh!” – Homer Simpson, The Simpsons

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No single word has captured frustration and stupidity better than Homer Simpson’s “D’oh!” It’s so widely recognized that it’s even in the dictionary. The best part? It works in just about any situation where you mess up. A few catchphrases have stood the test of time, such as this one.

7. “Suit up!” – Barney Stinson, How I Met Your Mother

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Neil Patrick Harris’ character, Barney Stinson, turned getting dressed into a rallying cry. Every time he told someone to “Suit up!” it made wearing formal attire sound like an event. It’s still quoted when someone wants to add a little flair to an outfit. Even casual fans of the show recognize this one.

8. “Good night, John-Boy.” – The Waltons

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Before binge-watching was a thing, The Waltons gave us this wholesome bedtime ritual. The family’s long, drawn-out goodnight, especially “Good night, John-Boy,” became an iconic part of TV history. It was endlessly parodied, but that just proved how memorable it was. Even people who have never watched The Waltons have heard it before.

9. “To the moon, Alice!” – Ralph Kramden, The Honeymooners

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Jackie Gleason’s Ralph Kramden had a lot of catchphrases, but this one is the most famous. Though it wouldn’t fly today, it was a comedic way of expressing frustration with his wife back then. It’s still referenced in pop culture, proving its lasting power. Old-school TV fans know exactly where it came from.

10. “I pity the fool.” – Mr. T, The A-Team

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Mr. T’s gruff delivery made this line unforgettable. Whether he was warning an enemy or giving tough love, “I pity the fool” was always his signature. It’s been quoted and parodied so much that it outlived The A-Team. Even decades later, people still use it when calling someone out.

11. “Live long and prosper.” – Spock, Star Trek

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This Vulcan blessing became a cultural phenomenon. Leonard Nimoy’s Spock made it famous, and it’s still used to wish someone well. The accompanying hand gesture is just as iconic. Even non-Trekkies recognize this phrase instantly.