20 TV Catchphrases Everyone Repeated in the ’90s
These 20 catchphrases from 1990s TV shows have become widely repeated and are still recognized by many today.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 6 min read
Television in the 1990s introduced many characters whose signature phrases quickly entered everyday speech. These catchphrases were repeated by fans, quoted in public, and often used in advertising or pop culture references. Many are still remembered as part of the decade’s entertainment identity.
1. “How you doin’?” – Friends
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Joey Tribbiani used this line as a casual pickup line. It became one of the most repeated quotes from the show. Viewers adopted it as a playful greeting. Even years later, it’s still associated with the character.
2. “Did I do that?” – Family Matters
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Steve Urkel’s clumsy behavior often led to accidents. He followed them with this high-pitched question. It captured his awkward charm and became his signature line. The phrase was often repeated by fans and even appeared on merchandise.
3. “Eat my shorts.” – The Simpsons
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Bart Simpson used this line to show rebellion. It reflected his attitude toward authority and rules. The phrase became widely used among children and teens. It was one of the first major catchphrases of the show.
4. “You got it, dude!” – Full House
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Michelle Tanner, played by the Olsen twins, said this in response to requests or encouragement. The line was short, sweet, and easily remembered. It was repeated often in the show. Viewers, especially younger ones, quickly picked it up.
5. “No soup for you!” – Seinfeld
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The Soup Nazi character used this strict phrase to deny service. It was based on a real person and became a standout moment in the show. The delivery and context made it memorable. It became one of the show’s most quoted lines.
6. “Oh my God, they killed Kenny!” – South Park
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This line followed the repeated deaths of the character Kenny. It was said by Stan or Kyle in nearly every early episode. The predictable use of the phrase became part of the show’s humor. It quickly spread among fans of the series.
7. “Don’t be ridiculous.” – Perfect Strangers
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Balki Bartokomous used this phrase with a strong accent. He often said it when reacting to his cousin’s confusion or panic. The delivery made it stand out. It became his most recognized line on the show.
8. “What you talkin’ ’bout, Willis?” – Diff’rent Strokes
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Although the show started in the late ’70s, the catchphrase carried into the early ’90s in reruns and cultural references. Arnold used it to express disbelief. The line was short and expressive. It remained part of pop culture well into the decade.
9. “I made a boo-boo.” – The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
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Carlton used this line when he realized he had made a mistake. It was delivered with exaggerated guilt or worry. The phrase became a light way to admit errors. Fans repeated it in everyday situations.
10. “Hey now!” – The Larry Sanders Show
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Hank Kingsley, the sidekick character, used this phrase as his trademark. It was said in a smooth, attention-grabbing tone. It represented his attempt to seem charming and cool. The phrase became linked to showbiz personalities.
11. “Not the mama!” – Dinosaurs
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The Baby Dinosaur shouted this at his father in protest. It reflected the baby’s refusal to accept parenting from the father. The phrase was loud, repeated, and easy to remember. It became the most popular line from the show.
12. “Resistance is futile.” – Star Trek: The Next Generation
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The Borg used this line to warn that assimilation was inevitable. The cold, robotic delivery made it chilling. Fans of the series repeated it as a symbol of power. It later appeared in games, books, and other media.
13. “I’m the baby, gotta love me!” – Dinosaurs
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The Baby Dinosaur also used this line to draw attention. It was delivered with energy and became a key part of the show’s promotion. Children especially repeated it often. It appeared on toys and T-shirts.
14. “D’oh!” – The Simpsons
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Homer Simpson shouted this when something went wrong. It was short, expressive, and instantly recognizable. The line became part of the English language and entered dictionaries. It was used in nearly every episode of the show.
15. “Who loves ya, baby?” – Kojak
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Although the show ended earlier, the line was repeated in the ’90s through reruns and commercials. It was used to express confidence and coolness. The phrase stayed in public use during the decade. It became associated with bold characters.
16. “Nip it in the bud.” – The Andy Griffith Show
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Barney Fife often used this line to suggest quick action. While originally from an older show, it saw renewed use in ’90s pop culture. The line was quoted in schools and workplaces. It reflected the idea of solving problems early.
17. “Ay caramba!” – The Simpsons
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Bart used this phrase when shocked or excited. It came from Spanish but was used as a catchphrase in the show. The line fit Bart’s rebellious personality. It became part of the broader Simpsons influence on pop culture.
18. “That’s my name, don’t wear it out.” – Saved by the Bell
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Zack Morris and other characters used this comeback when their names were called repeatedly. It was a common saying among teens in the ’90s. The show helped popularize it again. It was often repeated in schools and among friends.
19. “Talk to the hand.” – Martin
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The phrase became widely used in the mid-1990s as a sassy way to dismiss someone. It was often said with a hand held up to the speaker’s face. While it appeared in many shows, Martin helped bring it into the mainstream, especially through loud, confident characters like Sheneneh. The phrase quickly spread into everyday conversation and pop culture.
20. “Schwing!” – Saturday Night Live
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Wayne and Garth from the Wayne’s World sketches used this to show excitement. It was said during exaggerated reactions. The word became a trend among young viewers. It was later used in commercials and movie trailers.