Top 10 Sitcom Catchphrases

Top 10 Sitcom Catchphrases

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A good catchphrase can make or break a show. Welcome to WatchMojo.com, and today we’re counting down our picks for the top 10 best TV catchphrases. For this list, we’ve picked the funniest and most memorable catchphrases uttered by our favorite characters in live-action shows.

#10: “Did I do that?” Steve Urkel: “Family Matters” (1989-98)

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As one of TV’s most beloved nerds, Urkel was a constant pest to the Winslow family. Due to his infatuation with Laura and his lack of social skills, he always found himself in hair-brained situations. Whenever Urkel said his famous line, whatever happened was his fault, usually because of his clumsiness and over-zealous nature. Urkel is a classic goofball but his slogan always ensures laughs.

As a child prodigy with five college degrees, Sheldon is known to be a bit high-strung and obsessive, plus he has a no-nonsense approach to life. Thanks to his logical nature, he’s unable to get most of the jokes and sarcasm his friends are constantly spewing. Wanting to have a bit of fun himself, Sheldon uses “bazinga” whenever he’s trying to share his brand of humor. His delivery is always dry and deadpan, making it hard to know if he is, in fact, joking.

Engaging in countless one-night stands and meaningless flings, Barney is the classic womanizer. He’s also known to annoy the rest of the gang in various ways, and his overuse of the word “legendary” is just one complaint among many. But that doesn’t seem to stop Barney from pairing the word with his other catchphrase, “wait for it,” to make this super-mega catchphrase. And btw, the longer he pauses before finishing the sentence, the funnier it gets.

As the middle, and – let’s face it – the less attractive daughter, Jan always gets the short end of the stick in comparison to Marcia. It’s no wonder she’s constantly muttering her sister’s name in an exasperated sigh. Most of the time, Marcia deserves her sister’s contempt because she never seems to appreciate how easy she has it. And no one likes a snob! We feel you, Jan.

#6: “That’s what she said” Michael Scott: “The Office” (2005-13)

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As the obnoxious boss of the Dunder-Mifflin paper company, Michael tries constantly to win the approval of his co-workers. Most of the time, the guy doesn’t get it; but that doesn’t stop him from trying. Michael constantly uses his catchphrase to joke but he always ends up sounding like a 12-year-old with a potty humor mentality. The phrase became a running gag and a cultural phenomenon used to make any mundane phrase sound sexual.

#5: “Ay!” Arthur Fonzarelli: “Happy Days” (1974-84)

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Known simply as “the Fonz,” Fonzie is the coolest guy you’ll ever meet. Never seen without his trademark leather jacket and at least one girl on his arm, Fonzie goes where he wants, when he wants and often randomly shows up to give advice to Richie Cunningham. Fonzie is a man of few words, so his iconic phrase can be used to express any emotion. Based on his tone and inflection, others know exactly how he’s feeling when he says it.

#4: “Newman!” Jerry Seinfeld: “Seinfeld” (1989-98)

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Jerry Seinfeld is known for his humor and slight temper when it comes to those who annoy him; but it’s never better than when his rage is directed at his archenemy, Newman. This U.S. postal worker is often referred to as “pure evil,” though it’s never clear exactly why Jerry hates him so much. Whatever the reason, we’re glad these two don’t get along: Hearing Seinfeld quip “Newman!” were some of the show’s best moments.

#3: “I’ve made a huge mistake” Cast: “Arrested Development” (2003-06, 2013-)

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The show is a zany character comedy depicting the lives of the dysfunctional Bluth family. Each character is quirky enough to find themselves in impossible situations, so they’ve all muttered this catchphrase a time or two. But it really belongs to George Oscar Bluth, more commonly known as G.O.B. One of his most memorable moments with the phrase came when he realized there weren’t private toilets in jail.

#2: “How you doin’?” Joey Tribbiani: “Friends” (1994-2004)

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Good-looking actor Joey has never had a problem getting girls, despite his vain nature and cheesy pick-up lines. His best and most frequent line seems to always work no matter how prim and proper his target seems. With his over exaggerated accent and often-raised eyebrows, he looks and sounds ridiculous; but we can see why the ladies always fall for this one. Before we unveil our number one pick, here are a few honorable mentions: - “BANG, ZOOM! Straight to the moon!” Ralph Kramden: “The Honeymooners” (1955-56) - “I’m Rick James, bitch!” Dave Chappelle: “Chappelle’s Show” (2003-06) - “Prett-ay, prett-ay, prett-ay, pretty good” Larry David: “Curb Your Enthusiasm” (2000-) - “Dy-no-mite!” JJ Evans: “Good Times” (1974-79)

#1: “What’chu talkin’‘bout, Willis?” Arnold Jackson: “Diff’rent Strokes” (1978-86)

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Arguably one of the cutest kids on TV ever, Arnold Jackson is a precocious kid who’s adopted by a rich New York bachelor after the death of his mother. Arnold is very perceptive and full of wit, so he always knows when something’s up. He often says his iconic phrase to his brother when he smells a fishy situation. His pint-size stature and the distrustful look on his face make him look both adorable and hilarious, sealing this one as the most iconic of them all. Do you agree with our list? Which TV catchphrases do you quote all the time? For more catchy top 10s published every day, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.