Television shows have a big impact on our daily lives, including the way we talk. Popular TV series often introduce new words, phrases, and catchphrases that become part of our everyday language. These shows can change how we express ourselves, make jokes, and even describe our experiences.
In this blog, I’ll explore 15 TV shows that have changed how we speak.
Friends
Friends introduced many popular phrases into everyday speech. “How you doin’?” became a common greeting, mimicking Joey’s famous pickup line. The show also popularized adding “so” before adjectives, like “so not true” or “so good.” Phrases like “going commando” and “on a break” gained new meanings thanks to Friends. The series’ influence on language is still evident today, years after it ended.
The Simpsons
The Simpsons has contributed many words and phrases to our vocabulary. “D’oh!” became Homer’s famous catchphrase and is now used to express frustration. The show introduced “meh” to show indifference or boredom. Words like “cromulent” and “embiggen” were invented for the show but have since entered real-world usage. The Simpsons’ impact on language is so significant that some of its words have been added to the dictionary.
Seinfeld
Seinfeld coined many terms that are now part of everyday speech. “Yada yada yada” became a way to gloss over details in a story. “Double-dipping” referred to the social faux pas of dipping a chip twice. The show introduced concepts like “regifting” and “close-talker” that are now commonly used. Seinfeld’s clever wordplay and observations about daily life changed how people describe social situations.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Buffy the Vampire Slayer influenced language with its unique slang. The show popularized adding “much?” to the end of questions, like “Angry much?” It introduced “the Scoobies” for friends who solve mysteries. Phrases like “What’s the sitch?” (situation) and “five by five” (everything’s good) became part of fan vocabulary. Buffy’s creative use of language inspired viewers to play with words in new ways.
Star Trek
Star Trek has introduced many science fiction terms into common usage. “Beam me up, Scotty” became a popular phrase, even though it was never said in the show. The series popularized terms like “warp speed” and “phaser.” “To boldly go where no man has gone before” became a widely recognized phrase. Star Trek’s influence extends beyond fans, with many terms now used in scientific and technological contexts.
The Office (US)
The Office (US) brought many memorable phrases into everyday conversation. “That’s what she said” became a common joke format thanks to Michael Scott. The show popularized using “literally” for emphasis, often incorrectly. Phrases like “beer me” and “win-win-win” entered common usage. The Office’s mockumentary style also influenced how people use irony and deadpan humor in conversation.
Game of Thrones
Game of Thrones introduced elements of fantasy language into popular speech. “Winter is coming” became a way to warn about future problems. The phrase “You know nothing, Jon Snow” is now used to point out someone’s ignorance. Terms like “Khaleesi” and “Dothraki” entered pop culture vocabulary. The show’s impact on language reflects its massive popularity and cultural influence.
Breaking Bad
Breaking Bad brought several phrases from the drug world into mainstream conversation. “Yeah, science!” became a celebratory phrase for nerdy achievements. The term “breaking bad” gained new meaning as “to raise hell.” After the show, phrases like “tread lightly” took on more ominous tones. Breaking Bad’s gritty dialogue influenced how people talk about moral ambiguity and danger.
RuPaul’s Drag Race
RuPaul’s Drag Race has had a significant impact on LGBTQ+ slang and popular culture. “Sashay away” became a dramatic way to say goodbye. The show popularized terms like “werk,” “serving looks,” and “throwing shade.” Phrases like “No tea, no shade” entered everyday speech. RuPaul’s Drag Race brought drag culture vocabulary into mainstream usage, influencing how people express themselves creatively.
The Big Bang Theory
The Big Bang Theory introduced scientific and nerdy phrases into everyday conversation. “Bazinga!” became Sheldon’s catchphrase for pranks or sarcasm. The show popularized terms like “coitus” as a humorous way to refer to sex. Phrases like “I’m not crazy, my mother had me tested” became popular quotes. The Big Bang Theory’s influence made it cool to use more technical or geeky language in casual conversation.
Monty Python’s Flying Circus
Monty Python’s Flying Circus had a lasting impact on comedic language. “And now for something completely different” became a way to change subjects abruptly. The show popularized absurd phrases like “nudge nudge, wink wink” and “the Spanish Inquisition.” Terms like “spam” for junk mail came from a Monty Python sketch. The show’s surreal humor influenced how people use nonsense and absurdity in everyday jokes.
Sex and the City
Sex and the City changed how people talk about relationships and urban life. The show popularized terms like “he’s just not that into you” for dating advice. It made brand names like “Manolo Blahnik” part of everyday conversation. Phrases like “I couldn’t help but wonder…” became associated with deep thoughts about life and love. Sex and the City’s frank discussions about taboo topics opened up new ways of talking about personal life.
The Sopranos
The Sopranos brought mafia slang into mainstream usage. Terms like “fuhgeddaboudit” and “goomah” (mistress) became widely recognized. The show popularized the use of “whacked” to mean killed. Phrases like “Oof Madone!” as an exclamation entered pop culture. The Sopranos’ influence extended beyond crime jargon, affecting how people talk about family, loyalty, and moral conflicts.
Stranger Things
Stranger Things has revived 80s slang and introduced new sci-fi terms. “Friends don’t lie” became a catchphrase about loyalty. The show popularized referring to groups of friends as “parties,” like in Dungeons & Dragons. Terms like “the Upside Down” entered pop culture as ways to describe alternate realities. Stranger Things’ nostalgic and supernatural elements have influenced how people talk about friendship and the unknown.
Schitt’s Creek
Schitt’s Creek has added many colorful phrases to everyday speech. “Ew, David!” became a popular way to express disgust. The show popularized using “journey” to describe personal growth in a slightly ironic way. Phrases like “I’m trying very hard not to connect with people right now” resonated with introverts. Schitt’s Creek’s witty dialogue has influenced how people use humor and sarcasm in conversation, especially when dealing with difficult situations.
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