Sitcoms influence audiences in many ways, including fashion, lifestyle and dialogue. With witty one-liners, catchphrases and even social media slang, Sitcoms occasionally cross into the real world. While fans of certain sitcoms can always reference their favourite TV shows or catchphrases, some of them transcend just the fanbase. We’re looking at some sitcom one-liners that have become a part of everyday conversations.
Bro Code - How I Met Your Mother
To be fair, there’s always been an unwritten guy code that all men seem to universally follow, though there wasn't an official term for it. “How I Met Your Mother” changed all that when Barney Stinson officially referenced “The Bro Code”. A firm believer in the code, Barney had printed copies in his apartment, hotels, and even on aeroplanes.
Barney may have coined the term, but Ted was its true champion, exhibiting proper Bro-haviour at all times. While Barney did break the Bro Code himself, it had already become a common staple in real-life dialogue. The best part is that both men and women use the term when referring to the unwritten rules friends are expected to follow. There’s also an official bro code document on the internet, and you can even order one from Amazon.
The Playbook - How I Met Your Mother
The term “Playbook” has always existed in sports, but Barney Stinson once again found a way to use it in the dating world. Dating was a game to How I Met Your Mother’s infamous bachelor playboy, and he duly treated it as such. Barney drew up plays, hatched schemes and even employed deception to get girls interested in him.
Not all the schemes in The Playbook were successful, but that didn't stop the term from transitioning into regular dialogue. Now, the term “Playbook” is even used to reference having a plan for anything important.
Friendzone - F.R.I.E.N.D.S
Friends gave us some of the most iconic one-liners and zingers, with most of them coming from Chandler. Joey had a few phrases that stood out, like his signature “How You Doing”, but it's one of his lesser-known lines that’s gone down in history.
The “Friendzone” is most guys’ worst nightmare, and we can trace its origin back to the most beloved sitcom of all time. In “The One with the Blackout”, Joey tells Ross that he’s now in the frienzone, further claiming that he’s mayor of the zone. Today, the friendzone is a universal slang term defining a sticky situation no guy wants to be in.
We Were On A Break - F.R.I.E.N.D.S
Ross and Rachel were one of the greatest “will they, won’t they” couples. After separating due to Ross’s infidelity, the iconic line ‘We were on a break’ was born. The situation still sparks debates today, with fans still split over who was in the right.
Regardless of who was in the right, “We were on a break” is now a popular excuse when infidelity occurs. The line is so popular that couples now officially take breaks from their relationships to avoid another epic debate.
That’s What She Said - The Office US
The Office was a big success thanks to the antics of Michael Scott, and his most popular phase, “That’s What She Said”. While it was a juvenile attempt at humour, it became a staple in the world of comedy, even appearing in many other TV shows.
Whenever a sentence sounded sexual, like something a woman would say when discussing sex, Michael would add, “That’s What She said”. The statement has become a part of modern dialogue with people using it in the way Michael Scott would, a testament to the character’s influence.
Burn - That '70s Show
That ’70s Show achieved success thanks to the antics of its characters, with Michael Kelso standing out. Michael may not have been the smartest character, but he could find the humour in anything, and promptly yelled ‘Burn’. From a character experiencing misfortune, or an insult to someone proving them wrong, the Burns kept coming.
Other characters tried their hand at the burn, but no one could quite deliver it like Michael Kelso. Today, burns are used to hilarious remarks and jabs between friends, have become a universal slang.
Did I Do That? - Family Matters
Family Matters may have focused on the Winslow family, but it was the nerd next door, Steve Urkel, who truly stole the show. The iconic glasses and suspenders, coupled with his hilarious personality, made Urkel a household name. Urkel always got into trouble and hilariously asked, “Did I Do That?” in a sheepish way that always made audiences laugh.
While it is a simple question that anyone can ask, Steve Urkel’s satirical use of the question has become a common part of modern dialogue. Today, friends mockingly use Did I Do That after committing mischievous acts that are hilarious.
