Top 10 Hilarious New Girl Running Gags
These are the best New Girl Running gags! We've included running gags like Nick can't lie, constant mispronunciation of common words, the Cece-Winston “mess around”, Schmidt't first name, Jess singing, Winston's pranks, Nick's zombie book and True American.
#10: Nick Can’t Lie
Top 10 Times Nick Was the Best Character on New Girl
Nick Miller is a man of, well, very few talents. Lying is not one of them. Nick has a very obvious tell whenever he tries to lie: his back turns into a slip and slide. The guys even call him sweatback. In a cruel twist of fate, the gang’s shenanigans, all too often, hinge on Nick’s inability to lie. He broke immediately when he found out about Schmidt and Cece sleeping together. Schmidt confided his secret in the wrong guy when he told Nick that he was cheating on Cece. And he looked like a waterfall when they gang tried to hide meth from the cop who came to the loft for Winston's home visit.
#9: Constant Mispronunciation Of Common Words
Schmidt usually has a pretty eloquent way with words, but there are a few he just can't say quite right. We were first introduced to this funny flaw in the first season’s finale when Schmidt talks to Jess about “White Fang”-ing Cece. She gets a good laugh about the way he says the word “wolf”. This joke would reappear when Schmidt talks about the movie “Fury”, or as he calls it, furry. Lucky for Schmidt, he’s found a woman who loves him, idiotic flaws and all. Cece happily promises Schmidt in their vows that she is looking forward to a lifetime of mispronunciation of common words.
#8: The Cece-Winston “Mess Around”
Top 20 Funniest New Girl Running Gags
A term coined by Winston, it’s the magical union when these characters pull a scheme at the expense of their friends. This odd pairing on the show has proven itself to be one of its best. Most of the others have specific connections or pasts that link them, but Cece and Winston are kind of the odd balls out. So when these two team up, it's always a fun ride. Whether it be convincing Schmidt and Coach that they’re male models, or tricking Schmidt with a fake EDM song, whenever you see these two exchange a mischievous look, prepare yourself for another classic Winston Cece-‘mess around.
#7: Thanksgiving Disasters
Top 10 Must-Watch Thanksgiving TV Episodes
Most shows have yearly Christmas episodes, but this show celebrates Thanksgiving. Every year the gang tries to throw the perfect Thanksgiving, and disaster never fails to strike. Though, their problem might be a flaw in concept. Only Schmidt could have possibly thought that a Thanksgiving day singles party, or, Bangs-giving, as he calls it, would be a good idea. Maybe in the upcoming final season the gang will finally get it right. With everything from finding a dead body one year, to Jess almost dying herself another year, the only place to go is up.
#6: Schmidt’s First Name
Top 10 Best Cece & Schmidt Moments on New Girl
It’s one thing that his friends call him by his last name, but even at his office, he is only ever referred to as Schmidt. The first time Schmidt’s name is even called into question is when his cousin comes to visit, and the two battle over who is the one true Schmidt. Thankfully, the show was merciful, and didn’t make us hold out until the end. A season six episode centered around the revelation of Schmidt’s first name, and why it has never been spoken. And most importantly, why he will always be just Schmidt.
#5: Jess Singing
Top 10 Times New Girl's Jess & Cece Were Friendship Goals
The guys have no excuse for being surprised when Jess randomly bursts into song. She did warn them from the very beginning. Whenever Jess is feeling happy, or sad, or confused, or pretty much any time she feels any emotion ever, Jess belts out the perfect song for the occasion. When Russell and Ouli are fighting in front of her, she knows the perfect song to diffuse the situation. She sings Schmidt to sleep with a lullaby rendition of “Genie In A Bottle”. And she even sings on stage with Prince.
#4: Winston’s Pranks
10 Times Winston Was the Best Character on New Girl
Winston may be at his best when pulling off a classic Cece-Winston “mess around”, but when it comes to pranks, he is just no good. He either goes way to big, or way too small. From leaving wood shavings near Schmidt’s car, to releasing a badger at CeCe’s wedding, there is no middle ground for Winston. But that doesn't stop him from constantly trying. Winston goes so far as to get married for a prank. Similar to Schmidt’s previously mentioned vocabulary flaw, it’s Winston’s complete obliviousness to this flaw that makes it so funny.
#3: Nick’s Zombie Book
Top 10 Nick & Jess Moments on New Girl
Nick has been writing his zombie book for years. It starts out as a staple of his underachieving personality, that he has never finished the book. But it eventually develops into a hilarious and heartwarming character arc. Originally titled "Z is for Zombie", it is the worst book ever, as proven by Winston's hilarious dramatic reading. Throughout the series, it later turns into "The Pepperwood Chronicles" which becomes a young adult sensation. Who knew Nick could actually write? After years of watching Nick’s self doubt, it is great to see him finally get himself together and make something of his book.
#2: True American
The Terrifying True Crimes That Inspired American Horror Story
It's the game created by Nick, Schmidt, and Coach that's part drinking, and part Candy Land. The game is played multiple times throughout the show, but the rules are never made clear. It seems that that there are different versions of True American every time the game is played. There can be teams, there are Clinton rules, and a First Ladies edition. But the floor is always lava. Hopefully in the final season the full list of rules will be revealed so we can all play to celebrate the series finale. Before we unveil or top pick, here are a few honorable mentions: The Landlord Tran Never Speaks Winston’s Cat
#1: Douchebag Jar
The guys have an interesting way of suppressing Schmidt when his sleazier side gets the better of him. Kind of like a swear jar, he has to put money in it whenever he says or does something douchey. So this is, hands down, the most commonly recurring joke of the show. There is even an entire episode centered around why Schmidt must put $50 in the jar. An essential part of Schmidt, and Cece’s story, Schmidt references it when he proposes to Cece. He kept the $5 he put in it when he said he would marry her the first time they met. And rounding off their story, he smashes it at their wedding.
