What's the high-point of some sitcoms but never actually happens in real life? -catchphrases
What is a catchphrase? thefreedictionary.com describes it as "a well-known phrase or slogan associated with a particular entertainer or other celebrity." In a sitcom this would be Gary Coleman in Different Strokes saying "Whatchutalkinbout" or everyone in the Cheers yelling "Norm!"
There were many great sitcom catchphrases in the last few decades but this fad seems to be dying out (with some exceptions). I remember the glory days of television sitcom catchphrases. Back in my day, one of my early favorite television sitcoms was Family Matters. Who can forget Steve Urkel's famous question "Did I do that?" after doing horrendous damage to the Winslow house or making some other wacky mistake? This was a pretty famous catchphrase for a guy who was only supposed to be a one-shot character.
Or, for you old folks out there, who can forget "sit on it" from Happy Days. From my research, this catchphrase seemed to be used by the whole gang on the show. However, I believe that it was first used by the Fonz. It was a nice way to say "screw you."
What is your favorite catchphrase? Being a The Office fanatic, I would have to say that my favorite MODERN catchphrase is "That's what she said." When I was younger watching reruns on TV Land, my favorite was "Whatchutalkinbout Willis?"
I love sitcom catchphrases and I miss the days where you could flip on the TV and hear one of these gems in a matter of minutes. I think that more sitcom catchphrases should make a comeback. In fact, I think every single person should come up with their own signature catchphrase. It could slowly make the world a better, more exciting place to live. I think my new catchphrase will be "Shamwow!"
What is a catchphrase? thefreedictionary.com describes it as "a well-known phrase or slogan associated with a particular entertainer or other celebrity." In a sitcom this would be Gary Coleman in Different Strokes saying "Whatchutalkinbout" or everyone in the Cheers yelling "Norm!"
There were many great sitcom catchphrases in the last few decades but this fad seems to be dying out (with some exceptions). I remember the glory days of television sitcom catchphrases. Back in my day, one of my early favorite television sitcoms was Family Matters. Who can forget Steve Urkel's famous question "Did I do that?" after doing horrendous damage to the Winslow house or making some other wacky mistake? This was a pretty famous catchphrase for a guy who was only supposed to be a one-shot character.
Or, for you old folks out there, who can forget "sit on it" from Happy Days. From my research, this catchphrase seemed to be used by the whole gang on the show. However, I believe that it was first used by the Fonz. It was a nice way to say "screw you."
What is your favorite catchphrase? Being a The Office fanatic, I would have to say that my favorite MODERN catchphrase is "That's what she said." When I was younger watching reruns on TV Land, my favorite was "Whatchutalkinbout Willis?"
I love sitcom catchphrases and I miss the days where you could flip on the TV and hear one of these gems in a matter of minutes. I think that more sitcom catchphrases should make a comeback. In fact, I think every single person should come up with their own signature catchphrase. It could slowly make the world a better, more exciting place to live. I think my new catchphrase will be "Shamwow!"
This was a really interesting choice of blog this week. Now that you mention it, there really aren't a lot of popular catchphrases from television today. When I was younger I watched Nick at Nite every day. I remember the catchphrases from Different Strokes and Happy Days. I think people probably watch television more today, so I wonder why catchphrases aren't that popular anymore?
ReplyDeleteGood work Zack,
ReplyDeleteCatch phrases can also be a double edged sword. Most of the annoying ones I think of are from the movie medium, however, especially in the Austin Powers movies. Family Matters was a great sitcom with Erkel's "Did I do that?" I was thinking about one of my favorite show's was Dinosaurs and the "Not the Mama" said by the baby. I think TV would be a lot more interesting if the catch phrase phenomena made a rebound....plus a whole new generation of parents can get annoyed with their kids repeating them.
Your right Zach, i think that sitcom catchprases as we know it are slowly dying away. The more notable catchprases now adays are found on movies, take for example any movie Will Ferrel has ever been in. Its sad to see them go, but im sure there will always be a source of catchprases, that will keep people connected through humor, and help boring people sound funny.
ReplyDelete