15 Slang Words You Didn’t Know Came From Movies and TV
Ever catch yourself using a phrase and wonder, “Where did that even come from?” Well, chances are, a lot of the slang you use in everyday life started on the big screen or your favorite TV shows. Movies and TV have a way of sneaking new words and phrases into our language without us even noticing. Some of these terms become so common that we forget they had a Hollywood origin in the first place! From classics to cult hits, pop culture has a huge influence on the way we speak. So, whether you’re calling something “fetch” or declaring someone “the GOAT,” there’s a good chance you have movies or TV to thank. Ready to find out which slang words came straight from your screen? Here are 15 slang words that owe their origins to movies and TV—some may surprise you!
“Fetch” (Mean Girls, 2004)
“That is so fetch!” If you’ve ever used this term to describe something cool or trendy, thank Gretchen Wieners from Mean Girls. Though Regina George may have tried to shut it down, “fetch” caught on with fans of the movie and became iconic slang for “awesome” or “great.”
“Yada Yada” (Seinfeld, 1997)
The phrase “yada yada” became a way to fill in the blanks of a story without needing to explain the boring details. Thanks to Seinfeld, people everywhere now use “yada yada” to gloss over parts of a conversation, whether it’s juicy gossip or mundane chatter.
“Bae” (Pharrell’s “Come Get It Bae” & Internet Culture)
You might think “bae” just means babe, but it was popularized in the early 2010s thanks to the song “Come Get It Bae” by Pharrell and Miley Cyrus. It quickly spread across the internet, becoming the go-to term for a significant other.
“Bye, Felicia” (Friday, 1995)
This dismissive phrase, made famous by Friday, is the perfect way to get rid of someone annoying without a second thought. Whenever you want someone to take a hike without any drama, a simple “Bye, Felicia” will do the trick.
“Muggle” (Harry Potter, 2001)
Before Harry Potter, “muggle” wasn’t a word at all. But now, thanks to J.K. Rowling, it’s the term for anyone who doesn’t have magical powers. These days, it’s often used to describe someone who’s clueless or just doesn’t get it.
“Jump the Shark” (Happy Days, 1977)
When a TV show or movie goes completely off the rails, we say it’s “jumped the shark.” This phrase comes from an infamous Happy Days episode where Fonzie literally jumps over a shark on water skis—marking the show’s decline in quality. Now, it’s slang for anything that’s past its prime.
“Who You Gonna Call?” (Ghostbusters, 1984)
The catchy phrase from Ghostbusters has morphed into a slang way of asking, “Who’s going to handle this?” Whether you’re dealing with a tricky situation or just need help, saying “Who you gonna call?” brings the 80s nostalgia right to the rescue.
“No Soup for You!” (Seinfeld, 1995)
Another Seinfeld gem, this phrase comes from the infamous “Soup Nazi” episode. It’s now used whenever someone is denied something in a strict, over-the-top way, often for comedic effect. Just don’t say it at an actual soup counter!
“Bazinga!” (The Big Bang Theory, 2008)
If you’re a fan of The Big Bang Theory, you know Sheldon Cooper’s go-to catchphrase for when he’s pulled off a prank or joke: “Bazinga!” It’s become shorthand for a light-hearted “Gotcha!” in everyday life.
“D’oh!” (The Simpsons, 1989)
We’ve all had moments when things go wrong, and we instinctively yell, “D’oh!”—thanks to Homer Simpson. The Simpsons gave us this perfect word for expressing frustration, and now it’s so widely used it’s even in the dictionary.
“The GOAT” (Greatest of All Time, LL Cool J’s Album, 2000)
While sports fans love to debate who’s the GOAT (Greatest of All Time), this term was first popularized by rapper LL Cool J with his 2000 album titled G.O.A.T. Nowadays, it’s used to describe anyone who’s the best at what they do.
“I’ll Be Back” (The Terminator, 1984)
Arnold Schwarzenegger’s iconic line from The Terminator has become one of the most quoted phrases in movie history. It’s often used with a wink to mean someone’s leaving but will return shortly—with added drama, of course.
“You Can’t Handle the Truth!” (A Few Good Men, 1992)
This intense line from A Few Good Men has become a go-to phrase when someone is struggling to face reality. It’s perfect for dramatic moments when people are in denial—just channel your inner Jack Nicholson.
“Shaken, Not Stirred” (James Bond, 1962)
If you’re feeling fancy when ordering a cocktail, you might drop James Bond’s famous drink request: “shaken, not stirred.” Over the years, it’s become synonymous with sophistication and a bit of swagger—whether or not you’re ordering a martini.
“Sith” (Star Wars, 1977)
“Star Wars” gave us an entire galaxy of new words, but “Sith” stands out. Originally, it was used to describe the evil warriors in the series, but now people might use it to label anything or anyone that seems a little too villainous or sinister.
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