The 70s were a golden age for sitcoms, filled with larger-than-life characters who made us laugh, cringe, and sometimes groan with their endlessly repeated catchphrases. These phrases became part of our everyday vocabulary, and we couldn’t help but mimic them at school, around the house, or with friends. Whether they made us smile or roll our eyes, they were a key part of what made these characters—and the shows they were on—so unforgettable.
1. Fonzie from Happy Days: “Ayyyy!”
Arthur Fonzarelli, aka “The Fonz,” was the epitome of cool. Whenever he entered the scene, he’d flash his signature thumbs-up and let out that iconic “Ayyyy!” The word said everything without saying much at all—he was confident, cool, and totally in control. We all wanted to be like him, and you can bet we practiced that smooth “Ayyyy” at every opportunity.
2. J.J. Evans from Good Times: “Dy-no-mite!”
No one lit up a room like J.J. with his explosive “Dy-no-mite!” Every time he dropped this line, you knew something hilarious or ridiculous had just happened. It became more than a catchphrase—it was his personality, his swagger, and his way of lighting up the screen. We’d hear that word, and the whole living room would erupt in laughter.
3. George Jefferson from The Jeffersons: “Weezy!”
George Jefferson had a way with words, but no word came out of his mouth more than his affectionate, sometimes exasperated, call to his wife: “Weezy!” Whether he was happy, annoyed, or just looking for her, the way he said it always brought a chuckle. It was a term of endearment, and let’s be honest—everyone wanted a “Weezy” of their own after hearing it so many times.
4. Archie Bunker from All in the Family: “Stifle yourself, Edith!”
Archie Bunker was never short on opinion, and when his sweet wife Edith got a bit too chatty for his liking, he’d snap, “Stifle yourself, Edith!” It was classic Archie, rude and brash, but somehow we laughed at it every time. The phrase became so iconic, you’d hear it repeated everywhere—even if no one quite had the nerve to pull an Archie on their own spouse.
5. Rerun from What’s Happening!!: “Hey, hey, hey!”
Rerun’s upbeat, sing-songy “Hey, hey, hey!” was as contagious as it was catchy. You couldn’t help but smile when he said it, no matter what was going on. It was a simple greeting that became his signature, instantly recognizable, and endlessly repeatable. We all had a little “Rerun” in us whenever we entered a room with our friends.
6. Fred Sanford from Sanford and Son: “You big dummy!”
Fred Sanford had no problem telling it like it was, especially to his son, Lamont. “You big dummy!” became his go-to insult whenever someone did something particularly foolish. It was harsh, but coming from Fred, it somehow felt less like an insult and more like a term of endearment. The way he said it—shaking his head in disbelief—made it one of the most memorable lines from the show.
7. Latka Gravas from Taxi: “Thank you very much!”
Latka’s quirky accent and sweet, innocent personality made “Thank you very much” a line that got funnier every time he said it. No matter the context, it was delivered with that perfect mix of confusion and politeness. Latka made it so iconic, people started using it as their own quirky way of saying thanks—and still do today.
8. Horshack from Welcome Back, Kotter: “Ooh! Ooh! Mr. Kotter!”
Arnold Horshack, with his nasal voice and boundless enthusiasm, had a way of stealing the spotlight in Welcome Back, Kotter. Every time he raised his hand, bouncing in his seat while shouting, “Ooh! Ooh! Mr. Kotter!” you knew something absurd or hilarious was about to come out of his mouth. Horshack’s eager interruptions became a classic part of the show’s humor, and every classroom had a Horshack wannabe trying to get the teacher’s attention just like him.
9. Benson from Soap: “You want me to get that?”
Benson’s deadpan humor and side-eye glances were made for lines like “You want me to get that?” He was constantly asked to handle ridiculous situations, and his quick wit and sarcasm were the perfect foil to the chaos around him. And after the usual absurdity of Soap, when it came time to do something totally ordinary, Benson knew how to inject his amazing brand of snark. He easily stole the show whenever he was on scene.
10. Laverne DeFazio from Laverne & Shirley: “Schlemiel! Schlimazel! Hasenpfeffer Incorporated!”
Laverne’s chant with Shirley during their opening theme song became more than a catchy tune—it became a cultural touchstone. We may not have understood what it all meant, but we all tried to chant along as they linked arms and marched off to their factory jobs. That line became an anthem of friendship and fun, and who didn’t sing it at least once in a while?
11. The Sweathogs from Welcome Back, Kotter: “Up your nose with a rubber hose!”
The Sweathogs were the lovable misfits of Welcome Back, Kotter, and their ultimate comeback for just about everything was “Up your nose with a rubber hose!” It was so silly and random, but it perfectly captured their cheeky attitudes. Before long, kids across America were repeating it at recess and in hallways, no rubber hose required.
12. Ralph Malph from Happy Days: “I still got it!”
Ralph Malph was always convinced he was the funniest, most charming guy in the room, and after delivering one of his (often terrible) jokes, he’d flash his signature grin and declare, “I still got it!” Even though no one else really agreed, his relentless confidence made us laugh every time. He might not have “had it,” but that was the joke!
These sitcom characters—and their catchphrases—became part of the fabric of 70s culture. They were more than just lines on a show; they were conversation starters, inside jokes, and little pieces of humor we carried with us in our daily lives. Whether you loved them or found them a little grating after the hundredth time, these catchphrases are etched in our memories forever.
