1. “Dyn-o-mite!” – Good Times
When Jimmie Walker’s character, J.J. Evans, exclaimed “Dyn-o-mite!” on Good Times, it became one of the most recognizable catchphrases of the ’70s, and even today, it brings waves of nostalgia to fans of the show. J.J.’s energetic delivery, paired with his cheeky grin, made this phrase a hit. It captured the essence of his character—loud, proud, and a bit over the top.
The phrase was so catchy that it made its way out of the TV world and into everyday conversation. People across America were using it to express excitement, often with the same dramatic flair. Decades later, the phrase still holds a place in pop culture, often referenced in TV shows, commercials, and memes, keeping J.J.’s legacy alive.
2. “That’s the way the cookie crumbles!” – The Odd Couple
The Odd Couple wasn’t just about the quirky relationship between Felix Unger and Oscar Madison; it also gave us this unforgettable line. Said by Oscar with his trademark sarcasm, “That’s the way the cookie crumbles” became a go-to phrase for when things didn’t go as planned. It was perfect for those everyday moments when life throws you a curveball.
For a show that was as much about witty one-liners as it was about oddball antics, this catchphrase caught on because of its dry humor and relatability. Even today, it’s used to convey that sometimes, things just happen the way they happen, and there’s nothing we can do about it. It’s a phrase you’ll still hear when people need to shrug off disappointment.
3. “I’ll take ‘What’s for $500, Alex?’” – Jeopardy!
While Jeopardy! debuted in the ’60s, it’s still one of the most enduring shows in television history. The phrase “I’ll take [category] for $500, Alex” has become a staple in pop culture, thanks to the long-running format and the iconic host, Alex Trebek. Contestants would say it to choose their questions, but it didn’t take long for fans to adopt it into their own vocabularies.
Over time, “I’ll take” has been used far beyond the game show, often humorously, to indicate a desire for something in the most straightforward way. From friends joking around to comedians using it in their acts, the catchphrase is synonymous with knowledge, competition, and wit. Even those who’ve never watched an episode still know it.
4. “You rang?” – The Addams Family
The creepy, kooky, mysterious, and spooky family from The Addams Family delivered some of the most memorable lines in TV history. Perhaps the most iconic is Lurch’s slow, deliberate response of “You rang?” as he answers the doorbell. With his towering figure and haunting voice, Lurch made this line unforgettable.
This catchphrase is instantly recognizable, and its use has spread across decades. It’s often invoked in pop culture whenever someone answers the phone or door with an eerie vibe or sarcastic undertone. Lurch’s simple question remains one of the quintessential lines from a show that embraced dark humor.
5. “Kiss my grits!” – Alice
On Alice, Flo’s “Kiss my grits!” became an instant hit and is still quoted today. This line, delivered with Flo’s no-nonsense attitude, was a perfect representation of her character’s tough yet lovable personality. It became her signature line, expressing frustration or defiance in the most entertaining way possible.
It was a line that resonated with viewers who were looking for something bold and different. Over time, “Kiss my grits!” has made its way into everyday conversations, often used in playful arguments or when someone needs to assert their independence. The phrase may have started on a TV show, but it found a life of its own beyond the small screen.
6. “We’ll see you in the funny papers!” – The Flintstones
Fred Flintstone’s classic catchphrase, “We’ll see you in the funny papers!” is one of the earliest TV phrases that became a cultural staple. Said to his wife, Wilma, or anyone who was about to leave, it gave The Flintstones an unforgettable comedic touch. The show was a trailblazer in many ways, and Fred’s line captured the playful tone of the series.
Today, it’s still used to refer to the newspaper comic strips, and it’s a nostalgic callback to simpler times when comic sections were a staple of morning routines. Fred’s quip has become a piece of TV history that remains firmly embedded in pop culture, often used for its lighthearted nature or to humorously say goodbye.
