# What is the most commonly used phrase in English that came from a movie? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Tags:** movies\ **Created:** [December 2, 2024, 4:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-commonly-used-phrase-in-english-that-came-from-a-movie/1011068 "2024-12-02T16:37:29Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 8
**Author:** ![Horatio\_Hellpop](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e5b9ba/32.png) [@Horatio\_Hellpop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Horatio_Hellpop)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2024, 1:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-commonly-used-phrase-in-english-that-came-from-a-movie/1011068/141 "2024-12-11T13:25:27Z")
“It puts the lotion on its back.” Also, “I ate his liver with fava beans and a good chianti.” (Silence of the Lambs) “You Klingon bastard, you killed my son!” (Star Trek 2: The Wrath of Khan) “Thank you sir, may I have another!?” Also, “Do you mind if we dance with your dates?” (Animal House) “It’s good to be king.” (History of the World, Part 1) “No, Mr. Bond, I expect you to die!” (Goldfinger) ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2024, 3:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-commonly-used-phrase-in-english-that-came-from-a-movie/1011068/142 "2024-12-11T15:20:10Z")
Are we just quoting movies now? ---
**Author:** ![Railer13](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/railer13/32/9742_2.png) [@Railer13](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Railer13)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2024, 3:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-commonly-used-phrase-in-english-that-came-from-a-movie/1011068/143 "2024-12-11T15:42:43Z")
> [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > Are we just quoting movies now Well, really. Seriously, has anyone ever said “It puts the lotion on its back” except when talking about Silence of the Lambs? ---
**Author:** ![Cheesesteak](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cheesesteak/32/3694_2.png) [@Cheesesteak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cheesesteak)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2024, 3:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-commonly-used-phrase-in-english-that-came-from-a-movie/1011068/144 "2024-12-11T15:49:18Z")
This is why I think bucket list is the winner. It’s a common phrase, was introduced into our language by a movie, and is rarely, if ever, used to reference the movie. “That’ll be the day” is pretty good as well. ---
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2024, 3:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-commonly-used-phrase-in-english-that-came-from-a-movie/1011068/145 "2024-12-11T15:54:41Z")
> [@cieskokid](#): > > Many quotes here, and they are SO VERY… It’s a fun movie but I have never heard any of these unique phrases used in everyday conversation. ---
**Author:** ![CalMeacham](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/calmeacham/32/35_2.png) [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2024, 4:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-commonly-used-phrase-in-english-that-came-from-a-movie/1011068/146 "2024-12-11T16:00:05Z")
> [@Railer13](#): > > Well, really. Seriously, has anyone ever said “It puts the lotion on its back” except when talking about Silence of the Lambs? No, but I do admit that my wife and I quote “…with fava beans and a nice Chianti.” to each other a lot. Sometimes with the inhaley thing afterwards. Sometimes my wife simply “quotes” the inhaley thing. ---
**Author:** ![Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/left_hand_of_dorkness/32/7156_2.png) [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2024, 4:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-commonly-used-phrase-in-english-that-came-from-a-movie/1011068/147 "2024-12-11T16:20:27Z")
> [@Cheesesteak](#): > > This is why I think bucket list is the winner. It’s a common phrase, was introduced into our language by a movie, and is rarely, if ever, used to reference the movie. With a slight caveat (there are a few recorded uses prior to the movie, but it’s several orders of magnitude more common now than pre-movie), I think it’s gotta be the winner. It’s such a useful idea, and the movie is so forgettable other than its high concept, that nobody says “bucket list” quoting the movie, yet, many people use the concept regularly in conversation. ---
**Author:** ![Telemark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telemark/32/372_2.png) [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2024, 4:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-commonly-used-phrase-in-english-that-came-from-a-movie/1011068/148 "2024-12-11T16:47:25Z")
> [@Railer13](#): > > Seriously, has anyone ever said “It puts the lotion on its back” except when talking about Silence of the Lambs? > [@CalMeacham](#): > > No, but I do admit that my wife and I quote “…with fava beans and a nice Chianti.” to each other a lot. My wife and I use the lotion quote whenever the word _lotion_ is used in conversation. But I’m sure it’s not a common occurrence outside the **Telemark** household. ---
**Author:** ![burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/burpo_the_wonder_mutt/32/365_2.png) [@burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/burpo_the_wonder_mutt)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2024, 5:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-commonly-used-phrase-in-english-that-came-from-a-movie/1011068/149 "2024-12-11T17:43:39Z")
Really? Do you not find yourself saying **Let’s get out of here** on occasion? It’s in every movie with teenagers in it. Especially the dead ones. ---
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2024, 5:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-commonly-used-phrase-in-english-that-came-from-a-movie/1011068/150 "2024-12-11T17:58:01Z")
What movie created that expression? ---
**Author:** ![burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/burpo_the_wonder_mutt/32/365_2.png) [@burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/burpo_the_wonder_mutt)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2024, 6:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-commonly-used-phrase-in-english-that-came-from-a-movie/1011068/151 "2024-12-11T18:01:20Z")
I will have to research; I may be disqualified because it was probably used before movies were invented. ---
**Author:** ![Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/left_hand_of_dorkness/32/7156_2.png) [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2024, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-commonly-used-phrase-in-english-that-came-from-a-movie/1011068/152 "2024-12-11T18:11:31Z")
> [@burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](#): > > I may be disqualified because it was probably used before movies were invented. Yeah–from the OP: > [@RickJay](#): > > - It has to be essentially original to a movie script. No fair using a Shakepearian or Biblical phrase. They’ve all been said in movies, and one of those would win easily. ---
**Author:** ![burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/burpo_the_wonder_mutt/32/365_2.png) [@burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/burpo_the_wonder_mutt)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2024, 6:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-commonly-used-phrase-in-english-that-came-from-a-movie/1011068/153 "2024-12-11T18:18:38Z")
I just had a good chuckle picturing Juliet saying _Deny thy father and let’s get out of here!_ ---
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2024, 6:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-commonly-used-phrase-in-english-that-came-from-a-movie/1011068/154 "2024-12-11T18:23:31Z")
Friends, Romans, countrymen, If the rule you followed brought you to this, of what use was the rule? ---
**Author:** ![burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/burpo_the_wonder_mutt/32/365_2.png) [@burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/burpo_the_wonder_mutt)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2024, 6:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-commonly-used-phrase-in-english-that-came-from-a-movie/1011068/155 "2024-12-11T18:27:19Z")
Adam: The snake screwed us; LET’S GET OUT OF HERE! Eve: Fuckin A! (By my troth, I am off! 🤪 ) ---
**Author:** ![GIGObuster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gigobuster/32/421_2.png) [@GIGObuster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GIGObuster)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2024, 6:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-commonly-used-phrase-in-english-that-came-from-a-movie/1011068/156 "2024-12-11T18:47:10Z")
> [@markn\_1](#): > > That’s probably the most common variation, and the one I usually use myself. But it’s a misquote. The actual line was “Badges? We ain’t got no badges. We don’t need no badges. I don’t have to show you any stinking badges.” Not a misquote, IF you are quoting _Blazing Saddles_. 🙂 [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/Dln7yj8MDWE/hqdefault.jpg "We dont need no stinkin' badges a la "Blazing Saddles"") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dln7yj8MDWE) ---
**Author:** ![drad\_dog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/aeb1de/32.png) [@drad\_dog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drad_dog)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2024, 7:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-commonly-used-phrase-in-english-that-came-from-a-movie/1011068/157 "2024-12-11T19:30:28Z")
“Meanwhile back at the ranch” has to be from silent days ---
**Author:** ![dtilque](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/d6d6ee/32.png) [@dtilque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dtilque)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2024, 8:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-commonly-used-phrase-in-english-that-came-from-a-movie/1011068/158 "2024-12-11T20:01:49Z")
> [@drad\_dog](#): > > “Meanwhile back at the ranch” has to be from silent days. I thought of suggesting that one, but then figured it originated from some book. I don’t actually know the first use; it could be either. Googling, I find an old SDMB thread about the origin. There, @delphica reports on it being in a Zane Grey novel published in 1912. > [@Origin of "Meanwhile, back at the ranch"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/origin-of-meanwhile-back-at-the-ranch/160419/14): > > “Meantime, back at the ranch…” is actually used to start a chapter in Zane Grey’s Riders of the Purple Sage, and this was a serial story that first ran in 1912. Wikipedia has a page on the phrase. They say there’s no known silent movie that has the phrase as an intertitle. > **[Meanwhile, back at the ranch](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meanwhile,_back_at_the_ranch)** > > "Meanwhile, back at the ranch..." is a catch phrase that appears in a variety of contexts. For example, it may be employed by narrators of American cowboy movies and TV shows to indicate a segue from one scene to another but there is often more to this than meets the eye. The expression may have originated as a stock intertitle in the silent movies and at first the reference to the ranch was literal, but this may be apocryphal as no known film actually has this intertitle. Later, as t "Meanwhile,... ---
**Author:** ![dtilque](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/d6d6ee/32.png) [@dtilque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dtilque)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2024, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-commonly-used-phrase-in-english-that-came-from-a-movie/1011068/159 "2024-12-11T20:32:35Z")
> [@dtilque](#): > > Googling, I find an old SDMB thread about the origin. There, @delphica reports on it being in a Zane Grey novel published in 1912. Oops, I didn’t read the quote carefully enough. The word there is “Meantime”, not “Meanwhile”. delphica reported the correct word; it’s my fault for not reading carefully enough. However, I also checked Googlebooks and found it’s at the beginning of Chapter VI, but it’s also missing the word “back”. That is, the phrase there is “Meantime, at the ranch”. > **[Riders of the Purple Sage](https://books.google.com/books?id=uReIH8L7VkgC&pg=PA52&source=gbs_toc_r&cad=2#v=onepage&q&f=false)** > > After inheriting a southern Utah estate from her Mormon father, Jane Withersteen becomes the victim of a cruel frontier law. ---
**Author:** ![Superdude](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/superdude/32/13450_2.png) [@Superdude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Superdude)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2024, 10:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-commonly-used-phrase-in-english-that-came-from-a-movie/1011068/160 "2024-12-11T22:55:47Z")
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