TV catchphrases at risk of dying out - including 'I don't believe it'

24 June 2024 , 08:23

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TV catchphrases like ‘I don’t believe it!’, 'Don’t have a cow, man' and ‘Get outta my pub!’ are at risk of dying out, research has found. (Image: SWNS)

Catchphrases made famous by characters like Victor Meldrew, Bart Simpson and Peggy Mitchell are at risk of being forgotten as Gen Z, those under 27 have never heard them. A survey of 2,000 adults revealed the top quotes that those under 27 are unfamiliar with, including Stu Francis' 'I could crush a grape' from Crackerjack.

However, many iconic sayings seem set to endure across all generations. Three quarters of Gen Z adults recognised Joey Tribbiani's infamous line 'How you doing?' from the long-standing sitcom Friends.

Little Britain's 'computer says no' and Catherine Tate's 'Am I bovvered?' were among the most used catchphrases by all respondents, according to research by Sky TV.

In an effort to revive endangered catchphrases and celebrate the nation's favourites, the broadcaster has added some of these iconic lines to voice search on Sky Stream, Sky Glass and Sky Q, allowing fans to find shows by saying the catchphrases into their TV remote.

A spokesperson commented: "Catchphrases are the bedrock of some of the greatest telly of all time. Whether it's to bring a smile to the face of a friend or family member, or to show you're up to date on the latest great show, the art of repeating iconic TV lines is going nowhere, and we want to make sure that's the case for years to come."

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The study reveals that 31% of people still use catchphrases at least once a week, primarily to be seen as humorous or to connect with those who share their sense of humour.

54% believe TV catchphrases have an important role in preserving cultural and generational preference. (Getty Images)

Of the 83% who have used a TV phrase, over half (55%) believe it can make a conversation more engaging. Interestingly, 71% have taken the time to explain the origins of the saying if the person they said it to didn't recognise it, according to the data from OnePoll.com.

In encouraging news, over half (54%) believe TV catchphrases play a crucial role in preserving cultural and generational preferences. Moreover, 51% view them as a lasting cultural phenomenon.

A spokesperson for Sky commented: "Most of the catchphrases mentioned are still on TV on different channels, but there's only one place you can get them all in an easy way. We're seeing a resurgence of interest in classic TV through streaming services, but our extensive back catalogue in one easy place at the touch of a button, or a voice command, will help keep these memorable lines alive for generations to come."

TOP CATCHPHRASES GEN Z HAVE NEVER HEARD OF.

1. "Smell my cheese, you Mother" I'm Alan Partridge.
2. "Ooh I could crush a grape" - Crackerjack.
3. "Whatchu talkin' 'bout, Willis? " Diff'rent Strokes.
4. "Wubba lubba dub dub! " Rick and Morty.
5. "You know nothing, Jon Snow" Game of Thrones.
6. "It's a puppet! " The Bryan Conley Show.
7. "Bazinga! " The Big Bang Theory.
8. "Boyakasha" Da Ali G Show.
9. "Could I BE..." - Friends.
10. "Don't have a cow, man! " The Simpsons.
11. "Hello campers, hi-de-hi! " Hi-de-Hi!
12. "I am the one who knocks" Breaking Bad.
13. "I drink and I know things" Game of Thrones.
14. "What a sad little life, Jane" Come Dine With Me.
15. "You havin' a laugh? " Extras.
16. "Cushty" Only Fools and Horses.
17. "Calm down dear, it's only a commercial! " Esure advert.
18. "Winter is coming" Game of Thrones.
19. "Back of the net" I'm Alan Partridge.
20. "How you doin'? " Friends.
21. "Computer says no" Little Britain.
22. "What's occurring? " Gavin and Stacey.
23. "I pity the fool! " The A-Team.
24. "The truth is out there" The X Files.
25. "Just do it" Nike.
26. "Full moon, half-moon, total eclipse" Jaffa Cakes advert.
27. "I don't believe it! " One Foot in The Grave.
28. "That's what she said" The Office.
29. "Am I bovvered? " - The Catherine Tate Show.
30. "I love it when a plan comes together" The A-Team.

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