14 ’90s TV Catchphrases That Have Disappeared
These 14 TV catchphrases were everywhere in the 1990s but have faded from everyday use.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 5 min read
The 1990s were filled with unforgettable catchphrases that shaped pop culture. Many of them came from sitcoms, animated shows, and sketch comedies that dominated the airwaves. Today, most are rarely heard and are often only remembered by fans of that era.
1. “Did I do that?” — Family Matters
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This line was made famous by Steve Urkel, the quirky neighbor with a high-pitched voice and clumsy habits. It usually followed a moment where he accidentally broke something or caused a mess. The catchphrase was repeated throughout the series and became one of the most recognized lines of the 1990s. Today, it’s largely remembered only by fans of the show.
2. “Talk to the hand.” — Various Shows
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This phrase became popular across many shows and teen dramas in the mid-1990s. It was often used to dismiss someone without listening to what they had to say. Although not tied to one specific show, it was heard frequently in pop culture and comedy sketches. It is now seen as outdated and rarely used in conversation.
3. “How rude!” — Full House
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Stephanie Tanner often said this when reacting to someone’s behavior that she didn’t like. The phrase was short, direct, and easily repeated by kids. It became one of the standout lines from the show. It faded after the series ended and is now mostly a nostalgic reference.
4. “Eat my shorts!” — The Simpsons
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Bart Simpson used this line often during the early seasons of The Simpsons. It was part of his rebellious attitude and appeared on posters and merchandise. Though the show still airs, Bart no longer uses the phrase regularly. It was more connected to the show’s early 1990s identity.
5. “No soup for you!” — Seinfeld
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This was yelled by the “Soup Nazi,” a strict character who refused to serve customers who didn’t follow his rules. It became one of the most quoted moments from Seinfeld. The line was funny because of its delivery and how unexpected it was. Today, it’s remembered by fans but isn’t widely used anymore.
6. “Not!” — Wayne’s World / Various Shows
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This phrase was used to sarcastically reverse what was just said, often after a short pause. It became especially popular through Wayne’s World sketches on Saturday Night Live and the film. It was commonly used by teens in the early ’90s. Its overuse led to it falling out of style quickly.
7. “You got it, dude!” — Full House
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Michelle Tanner, played by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, made this phrase famous. It was her go-to response whenever someone made a request or gave instructions. The catchphrase appeared in nearly every episode during her scenes. It slowly disappeared after the show ended in 1995.
8. “Whassup?” — Budweiser Commercials / Parodied in Shows
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Originally from a Budweiser ad, this phrase was repeated and parodied across many shows and comedy sketches. It was often used in a long, exaggerated tone when answering the phone or greeting friends. It became so popular that it lost its impact due to repetition. By the early 2000s, it had almost completely disappeared.
9. “Don’t have a cow, man!” — The Simpsons
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Another Bart Simpson line, this phrase was used to tell someone to calm down or not overreact. It became part of Bart’s image during the show’s early years. The line was printed on T-shirts and used in commercials. It stopped being used regularly by the late 1990s.
10. “Whoa!” — Blossom
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Joey Russo, played by Joey Lawrence, made this one-word phrase famous with his drawn-out delivery. It was used to express shock, surprise, or amazement. The simplicity of the line made it easy to imitate and remember. It faded from use after the show ended in 1995.
11. “As if!” — Clueless (TV Series and Film)
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Though it began in the Clueless film, the TV series helped carry it into regular teenage slang. It was used to reject an idea or person with sarcasm and attitude. The phrase captured the voice of ’90s teen culture. It disappeared after the show’s popularity declined.
12. “Ay caramba!” — The Simpsons
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Used by Bart Simpson, this phrase expressed surprise or frustration. It was part of his early personality along with other lines. While still used occasionally in the show, it’s no longer a cultural reference point. The phrase was more tied to the 1990s than later years.
13. “I kill me!” — ALF
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ALF often said this after making a joke, usually directed at his own silly behavior. It was part of his character’s sarcastic and playful humor. The line stood out because of ALF’s alien identity and comic timing. After the show ended in 1990, the phrase quickly faded from pop culture.
14. “Don’t make me angry. You wouldn’t like me when I’m angry.” — The Incredible Hulk (used in reruns in the 1990s)
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This line was first used in the 1970s, but reruns in the 1990s helped bring it back into the spotlight. It was said by Dr. Banner before he transformed into the Hulk. The phrase was serious and slightly threatening, making it stand out in a time of more lighthearted catchphrases. It is now more of a trivia reference than a line people say in daily life.