11 Sitcom Catchphrases That Took Over Pop Culture
Some sitcom lines became so iconic that they escaped TV and became part of everyday speech.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
Sitcoms aren’t just about laughs. They often leave us with unforgettable lines that become a lot more memorable than the show. Certain catchphrases were repeated so often that they leapt off the screen and into the real world. They shaped how fans joked or expressed themselves. Here are 11 sitcom catchphrases that people still remember.
1. “How you doin’?” – Joey Tribbiani, Friends
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Joey’s playful greeting struck the perfect balance between charm and cheesiness. It captured his flirty personality while making audiences laugh every time. Even decades later, it remains one of the most recognized lines in TV comedy.
2. “Bazinga!” – Sheldon Cooper, The Big Bang Theory
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Sheldon’s signature word punctuated every prank and sarcastic remark he made. Fans quickly embraced it as a universal way to signal a joke. Its quirky tone and timing turned it into a lasting pop culture meme; people still use it today.
3. “No soup for you!” – The Soup Nazi, Seinfeld
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This sharp line didn’t even come from a lead character; it came from one of TV’s most memorable minor characters. The Soup Nazi’s strict rules and intense delivery made it instantly iconic. It’s still quoted whenever someone’s being a little too strict.
4. “Did I do that?” – Steve Urkel, Family Matters
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Urkel’s sheepish question always followed one of his many accidents. The line summed up his lovable clumsiness and innocence perfectly. Over time, it became a universal way to admit to a mistake — with a smile.
5. “Yada, yada, yada” – George and Elaine, Seinfeld
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This simple phrase made skipping details sound hilariously efficient. It captured the show’s witty take on everyday conversations that occur in our lives. Even now, people use it as shorthand for “you know the rest.”
6. “What you talkin’ ’bout, Willis?” – Arnold Jackson, Diff’rent Strokes
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Gary Coleman’s delivery made this line unforgettable. His expression of disbelief became the show’s most enduring moment. It’s one of those rare catchphrases that outgrew its sitcom origins. Unfortunately, it’s starting to fade into obscurity.
7. “That’s what she said” – Michael Scott, The Office
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Michael’s favorite joke turned even innocent remarks into punchlines. Its childish humor became a cultural phenomenon, used everywhere from offices to internet memes. It’s proof that simple jokes can have massive staying power.
8. “Norm!” – Cheers
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Whenever Norm walked into the bar, the entire cast yelled his name. This warm greeting became a symbol of friendship and belonging. That warm, one-word greeting became one of TV’s most heartwarming traditions.
9. “Dyn-o-mite!” – J.J. Evans, Good Times
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Jimmie Walker’s explosive delivery gave this phrase its power. It embodied the character’s larger-than-life energy, enthusiasm, and the show’s upbeat spirit. His delivery was so infectious that it became a cultural catchphrase of the ’70s.
10. “Legend—wait for it—dary!” – Barney Stinson, How I Met Your Mother
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Barney’s was your enigmatic character, which is why this dramatic pause made this phrase a perfect reflection of his over-the-top personality. It turned everyday moments into grand events. Fans still use it to hype up anything exciting.
11. “Have mercy!” – Jesse Katsopolis, Full House
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Jesse’s smooth exclamation was his go-to reaction in funny or flirty moments. Whether flirting or reacting in disbelief, it always fit the moment. It perfectly matched his rock-and-roll charm. Fans loved it so much that it carried into the reboot years later.