I don’t like to hang out with “movie quote guy.” Most of us don’t. But there are a few lines you’ll need to commit to memory if you want to be a fully-functioning member of society.
See, some of these quotes are so ingrained in our culture that they’re frequently dropped into casual conversation, sans reference, and might not mean what they sound like they mean.
Exhibit A:
SOURCE: Animal House, 1978
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor? Here’s how the Bills make the playoffs. shar.es/6Zn6d
— Trending Buffalo (@TrendingBuffalo) December 4, 2012
Today, this is a tongue-in-cheek rallying cry used in a desperate, last ditch effort to boost the morale of a dispirited group of people. The implication is that “although the odds are REALLY not in our favor and we’re probably not going to be able to dig out of this hole we’re in, we might as well keep trying since we’re not officially dead yet.”
The context is implied (the boys from Delta House were ultimately expelled from Faber) and if you’re not familiar with the quote, you’re left in the dust.
If you’re left in the dust yet still quick to point out the “mistakes” of others, well, you wind up looking like this.
@trendingbuffalo didn’t realize the Germans bombed pearl harbor
— Kevin Gentile (@KMGentile) December 4, 2012
@trendingbuffalo the Germans didn’t bomb Pearl Harbor. The Japenese did -__- #Facepalm
— Connor Brown (@RayBanBrown) December 5, 2012
Surely, both Kevin and Connor were trying to help us out. They weren’t trying to show off or say “ha ha, I’m smarter than you.” Connor even demonstrated exceptional humility with his intentional use of “Japenese” as if to say “hey guys, we all make mistakes. Look, even as I’m correcting your error, I’ll make one myself to highlight one of my own imperfections.” We appreciate it.
That said, nobody wants to be Kevin or Connor in this story. In an effort to avoid such a fate, there are two choices:
A) don’t be so quick to be a dick
B) learn the context of a few oft-cited movie quotes
We have no control over A but can help with B.
—–
SOURCE: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, 1986
“Bueller? Bueller?”
TODAY’S MEANING: I’m talking right now and nobody seems to be paying attention to me. Is anyone hearing what I’m saying? Is it pointless to continue speaking? Should I just stop?
—–
SOURCE: The Wizard of Oz, 1939
“We’re not in Kansas anymore.”
TODAY’S MEANING: It’s time to adjust our way of thinking and operating because we are no longer in the safe and comfortable environment to which we have grown accustomed.
—–
SOURCE: Jaws, 1976
“You’re gonna need a bigger boat.”
TODAY’S MEANING: I’m going to state this as calmly as possible but, dude, you are really up against it right now and if something doesn’t drastically change, you’re screwed because you are on the wrong side of a horrible mismatch.
—–
The aforementioned surely form just the tip of the iceberg. (Titanic, 1997.)
What else belongs on this list?
I smell a follow-up post.
“Our pets heads are falling off!!!”
Searching my brain for these is a fun exercise. I hope this one captures the spirit of what you’re saying.
“Hello, McFly…!”
Thomas F. Wilson as Biff. “Back to the Future” – 1985
Contemporary translation: “Although I’ve explained myself, you still don’t understand where I’m coming from and I’m growing increasingly frustrated with you.” Sometimes accompanied by a noogie.
Perfect addition. Thanks!
“Jesus Christ in a Dumptruck!”
Brian Doyle-Murphy in the Chris Elliot classic “Cabin Boy”
Another favorite from that movie that I say all the time and NO ONE knows what the hell I’m talking about, by David Letterman when talking to “fancy lad” Chris…
“Don’t let ’em give you any of that flank steak bull$hit, try the London Broil!”
Take your pick from Caddyshack, Anchorman and The Hollywood Knights.
“What’d you do, Ray?” – Ghostbusters.
Use it all the time….usually followed by a response like…”Who the #$%@ is Ray?”