8 Memorable Catchphrases From 1970s Sitcoms

Television in the 1970s gave us some of the funniest shows ever made, and many of them came with catchphrases that stuck around for decades.

These memorable lines became part of everyday conversation, repeated on playgrounds and in living rooms across America. Whether silly, sassy, or just plain quotable, these eight catchphrases prove that good comedy never goes out of style.

1. Good Times – Dy-No-Mite!

J.J. Evans turned three simple syllables into comedy gold with this explosive exclamation. Whenever something exciting happened on Good Times, you could count on J.J. to shout his trademark phrase with arms spread wide and a huge grin.

Jimmie Walker’s character made this word so popular that kids everywhere started using it at school, at home, and pretty much anywhere they could. The phrase captured the fun-loving spirit of the show while giving audiences a catchphrase they’d never forget, even decades later.

2. Happy Days – Ayyyy! And Sit On it!

Arthur Fonzarelli, better known as The Fonz, became the coolest guy on television with his leather jacket and unforgettable catchphrases. His signature Ayyyy! came with double thumbs up and instantly made anything seem cooler.

When someone annoyed him, Fonzie would fire back with Sit on it! as the perfect comeback. Henry Winkler’s character showed that you didn’t need long speeches to be memorable—just the right attitude and a couple of perfect one-liners that everyone wanted to imitate.

3. Alice – Kiss My Grits!

Flo Castleberry served up sass along with her coffee at Mel’s Diner with this Southern-fried zinger. Polly Holliday’s character had plenty of spunk, and whenever someone pushed her buttons, she’d deliver this line with perfect timing and a thick drawl.

The phrase became so beloved that it turned Flo into a breakout star who eventually got her own spin-off show. Kiss my grits! proved that waitresses could be just as quotable as any other TV character.

4. Welcome Back, Kotter – Up Your Nose With A Rubber Hose! And Ooh-Ooh-Ooh, Mr. Kotter!

The Sweathogs brought Brooklyn attitude to primetime with these unforgettable lines. Vinnie Barbarino’s bizarre insult Up your nose with a rubber hose! made absolutely no sense, which somehow made it even funnier to repeat.

Meanwhile, Arnold Horshack’s eager Ooh-ooh-ooh, Mr. Kotter! with his hand waving wildly became the most enthusiastic classroom participation ever seen on television. Ron Palillo’s delivery turned simple excitement into comedy perfection that had viewers cracking up every single episode.

5. Mork & Mindy – Nanoo Nanoo And Shazbot!

Robin Williams brought intergalactic weirdness to Boulder, Colorado, as Mork from Ork. His greeting Nanoo nanoo came with a special hand gesture that fans loved copying, turning it into the friendliest alien hello ever invented.

When things went wrong, Mork would exclaim Shazbot! as his go-to alien curse word that was totally safe for family television. Williams’ manic energy and improvisational genius made these nonsense words feel completely natural and hilariously memorable.

6. Diff’rent Strokes – Whatchoo Talkin’ ‘Bout, Willis?

Arnold Jackson’s skeptical response to his older brother became one of the most quoted lines in television history. Gary Coleman delivered this phrase with perfect comedic timing, scrunching up his face in confusion whenever Willis said something questionable.

The line worked because it captured exactly how kids react when they don’t believe what they’re hearing. Audiences loved Arnold’s sassy attitude, and this catchphrase became shorthand for calling out anyone who seemed to be talking nonsense, making it timeless.

7. Sanford And Son – You Big Dummy! And I’m Comin’, Elizabeth!

Fred Sanford had two catchphrases that perfectly summed up his relationship with his son and his late wife. You big dummy! was his favorite way to insult Lamont, usually accompanied by a smack on the head that looked painful but was actually affectionate.

However, when Fred wanted sympathy or needed to get out of work, he’d clutch his chest and cry I’m comin’, Elizabeth! pretending to have a heart attack. Redd Foxx made both lines absolutely hilarious.

8. All In The Family – Meathead! And Stifle!

Archie Bunker never called his son-in-law Mike by his actual name, preferring the insulting nickname Meathead instead. Carroll O’Connor’s grumpy character made this putdown sound both mean and somehow endearing at the same time, capturing their complicated relationship perfectly.

When Edith started talking too much, Archie would bark Stifle! to shut her up, though she rarely listened. These catchphrases showed Archie’s old-fashioned attitude while making audiences laugh at his stubborn, politically incorrect personality week after week.