15 Popular Catchphrases from the ’90s You Totally Forgot
This is a throwback to the phrases everyone said in the ’90s but rarely hears today.
- Daisy Montero
- 4 min read
The ’90s were full of sayings that everyone seemed to know. Some came from TV shows, others from ads, and a few just spread around schools and playgrounds. These catchphrases were funny, dramatic, and unforgettable at the time. Here are the ones that bring back instant ’90s memories.
1. “Talk to the Hand”
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This phrase became the go-to shutdown when you wanted to dismiss someone without saying much. It was sassy, quick, and usually delivered with an actual hand in someone’s face. The ’90s were full of attitude, and this phrase captured that perfectly.
2. “As If!”
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Popularized by Clueless, this phrase was the ultimate burn when something wasn’t worth your time. It was stylish, sassy, and instantly tied to Cher’s Beverly Hills vibe. Teens everywhere adopted it for instant eye-rolling rejection.
3. “You Got It, Dude!”
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Michelle Tanner on Full House made this line a household phrase. Every kid in the ’90s mimicked her tiny voice and playful delivery. It was pure innocence and charm rolled into one unforgettable catchphrase.
4. “Eat My Shorts”
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Bart Simpson’s rebellious slogan became one of the most quoted phrases of the decade. It represented every kid’s dream of talking back without getting grounded. The Simpsons turned this into a cultural landmark.
5. “Don’t Have a Cow, Man”
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Another Bart Simpson gem, this phrase was meant to tell people to chill out. It quickly spread beyond the show and into schoolyards, T-shirts, and even bumper stickers. If someone was freaking out, this was the perfect comeback.
6. “Oh Snap!”
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This phrase was used whenever something surprising or dramatic happened. It was a playful way to call out a burn or a big moment. You could hear it in classrooms, playgrounds, and even on early hip-hop tracks.
7. “Booyah!”
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Whether it was a sports highlight or just celebrating a win, this word was pure excitement. Athletes, rappers, and even video game characters used it constantly. It was the sound of ’90s energy bottled into one exclamation.
8. “Whassup?”
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This one exploded thanks to the Budweiser commercials. The exaggerated way people stretched it out made it hilarious. Friends everywhere greeted each other this way for years.
9. “Yadda, Yadda, Yadda”
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Seinfeld made this phrase famous as a way to skip over boring details. It was dry, funny, and instantly part of everyday conversation. People still drop it into stories when they do not want to explain everything.
10. “All That and a Bag of Chips”
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This was the ultimate way to hype someone or something up in the ’90s. It combined bragging with a playful twist that made it unforgettable. You could hear it in schools, songs, and sitcoms alike.
11. “Not!”
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Thanks to Wayne’s World, this sarcastic add-on became a quick way to reverse whatever you just said. It was goofy, overused, and somehow never stopped being funny. Teens especially loved throwing it into conversations.
12. “Whatever!”
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Usually paired with an eye roll, this phrase was a symbol of teen indifference. It was short, dismissive, and a little bit dramatic. Perfect for shutting down parents or teachers in true ’90s fashion.
13. “All That”
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Nickelodeon’s hit sketch show made this phrase a household term. It was a way to describe something as amazing or top tier. For ’90s kids, it was as much a part of Saturday nights as pizza and soda.
14. “No Duh!”
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This phrase was sharp, sarcastic, and a little bit bratty. It was a kid’s favorite way of saying something was obvious. If you grew up in the ’90s, you definitely threw this at a sibling more than once.
15. “Word!”
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This was a quick way to show agreement in the ’90s. It came out of hip-hop culture but spread into mainstream slang fast. If you wanted to back someone up or show approval, this was the cool way to say it.