The Top 10 TV Show Catchphrases of the 70s and 80s

Ah, the 1970s and 1980s. A time when hair was big, fashion was questionable, and television was full of characters who could capture your heart—or at least your attention—with a single line. These catchphrases were more than just words; they were rallying cries, punchlines, and verbal hugs that made you feel right at home in front of the TV. So, let’s take a glance back and count down the top 10 catchphrases from the 70s and 80s, in reverse order because we’ve got to keep things dramatic. Here we go!

10. “Works for Me” – Hunter (1984-1991)

Detective Rick Hunter’s laid-back catchphrase, “Works for me,” from Hunter. Played by Fred Dryer, Hunter wasn’t the kind of cop who needed dramatic speeches or over-the-top heroics. No, his style was more of the strong, silent type who could sum up a plan—or a really questionable decision—with a simple, “Works for me.”

This phrase was perfect for when you had no idea what was going on but didn’t want to admit it, or when you were just too tired to come up with a better response. Need a quick way to agree without putting in too much effort? Just channel your inner Hunter and go with “Works for me.” It might not have had the punch of some of the others coming up,, but it got the job done. And if it was good enough for Hunter, it works for me.

9. “Nanoo Nanoo” – Mork & Mindy (1978-1982)

At number 9, we’ve got the phrase that made everyone try out their best alien impression: “Nanoo Nanoo.” Robin Williams’ portrayal of Mork from Ork on Mork & Mindy was legendary, and this quirky greeting became an instant catchphrase. It was the perfect thing to say when “hello” just didn’t cut it, especially if you wanted to look like you had just landed from a distant galaxy.

Whether you were trying to confuse your parents or bond with your friends over your shared love of the extraterrestrial, “Nanoo Nanoo” was your go-to. Bonus points if you followed it up with a Vulcan-like hand gesture that would make Spock proud.

 

8. “What’chu talkin’ ‘bout, Willis?” – Diff’rent Strokes (1978-1986)

Number 8 on our list is the line that could make anyone stop in their tracks: “What’chu talkin’ ‘bout, Willis?” This gem came from Arnold Jackson, played by Gary Coleman, on Diff’rent Strokes. It was the perfect expression of confusion, skepticism, and sass, all wrapped up in one small but mighty package.

You didn’t have to be named Willis to feel the power of this phrase. Kids everywhere adopted it for whenever they were suspicious of what their friends or parents were saying. It was as if Arnold’s tiny voice had the power to put any fibber on trial.

 

7. “Up your nose with a rubber hose!” – Welcome Back, Kotter (1975-1979)

 

At number 7, we have a phrase that proved even insults could be charming and the first real slam on the list: “Up your nose with a rubber hose!” This was the battle cry of Vinnie Barbarino, played by a young John Travolta, on Welcome Back, Kotter. It was the comeback you needed in any defensive scenario.

Sure, it didn’t make much sense, but that was half the fun. It was playful, goofy, and perfectly encapsulated the mischievous spirit of the Sweathogs. It’s probably for the best that it never caught on as a serious schoolyard insult because, let’s face it, no one wants to visualize that.

 

6. “Kiss my grits!” – Alice (1976-1985)

Coming in at number 6 is the sassy Southern send-off, “Kiss my grits!” Flo, the waitress with attitude on Alice, played by Polly Holliday, made sure everyone knew that she wasn’t about to take any nonsense. This phrase was her polite (well, Southern polite) way of telling someone to back off, and it was perfect for diffusing a tense situation with humor.

You didn’t have to be serving coffee at Mel’s Diner to throw out a “Kiss my grits!” It worked just as well at the dinner table when your little brother was trying to steal your fries. It was the original way to say, “Nope, not today!”

 

5. “Dyn-o-mite!” – Good Times (1974-1979)

At number 5, we’ve got the catchphrase that could light up any room: “Dyn-o-mite!” J.J. Evans, played by Jimmie Walker on Good Times, delivered this line with so much energy that you almost felt like fireworks were going off in your living room.

Whether he was celebrating a small victory or just making a joke, J.J.’s signature shout of “Dyn-o-mite!” was guaranteed to make you smile. It became so famous that people started saying it even if they weren’t watching the show, just to bring a little extra enthusiasm to whatever mundane thing was happening—like finally finding the TV remote after 10 minutes of searching.

 

4. “De plane! De plane!” – Fantasy Island (1977-1984)

Number 4 on our list is one of the most iconic greetings of the 70s: “De plane! De plane!” shouted by Tattoo, played by Hervé Villechaize, on Fantasy Island. Every time guests arrived on the mysterious island, Tattoo’s enthusiastic shout let us know the adventure was about to begin.

This catchphrase was perfect for announcing anything exciting, from the arrival of guests to spotting the ice cream truck rolling down the street. With just three words, it captured a sense of wonder and anticipation that made you feel like anything could happen next.

 

3. “Who loves ya, baby?” – Kojak (1973-1978)

At number 3, we’ve got the catchphrase that made bald heads cool before Mr. Clean: “Who loves ya, baby?” Telly Savalas, as the lollipop-loving Detective Kojak, would drop this line with the kind of confidence that made you want to buy him a round and spill your deepest secrets.

It wasn’t just what he said; it was how he said it—with a twinkle in his eye and a smirk that let you know he was already three steps ahead. This phrase worked its way into pop culture and everyday conversation, usually said while leaning on something and pretending to be smoother than you actually were.

 

2. “I pity the fool!” – The A-Team (1983-1987)

Almost topping the list at number 2 is Mr. T’s unforgettable catchphrase, “I pity the fool!” from The A-Team. This phrase, delivered by the one and only B.A. Baracus, was so fierce that you felt bad for whoever was on the receiving end before they even knew what hit them. It was the ultimate warning that things were about to go down, and it was delivered with enough gold chains and muscles to make you think twice about misbehaving.

This catchphrase transcended the show and became part of Mr. T’s personal brand, popping up in commercials, interviews, and any scenario where a fool was about to make a very bad decision. If you said “I pity the fool!” in the mirror, you instantly felt about 10% tougher.

 

1. “Sit on it!” – Happy Days (1974-1984)

And finally, the number 1 catchphrase that ruled the 70s and 80s is none other than the legendary “Sit on it!” from Happy Days. Delivered with perfect timing by The Fonz and his gang, this phrase was the ultimate G-rated burn. If someone was getting on your nerves, you didn’t need to come up with an elaborate comeback; you just had to throw a “Sit on it!” their way, and they knew they’d been roasted—70s style.

The genius of this catchphrase was its simplicity and universality. It was like the Swiss Army knife of insults: applicable to siblings, friends, and even annoying adults. And, of course, if Fonzie said it, you knew it was cool.

 

Final Thoughts

These catchphrases were more than just words spoken on screen; they were the cultural glue that held our childhoods together. From the comedic jabs to the words of encouragement, these lines reminded us that TV wasn’t just entertainment—it was a part of our lives. So next time you’re looking for a perfect comeback or just a little nostalgic pick-me-up, remember these classic catchphrases and say them loud and proud.