Say What---TV Land Announces Top Ten Catch Phrases

For the past four months or so, an obnoxious television ad has been driving me crazy. “Head On! Apply directly to the forehead.” The phrase is repeated again and again. Now a new commercial has replaced it. Someone comes on TV saying the commercial is driving him or her nuts, just as it has me. Then they go on to explain the product a bit more. It’s just as obnoxious as the original…which may be why it will be seared into the crevices of my brain for an unnaturally-long time.

A report by TV Land says that “Heeere’s Johnny” is the top catch phrase covering TV, commercials, cartoons and quotes taken from the news over the last 60 years. From 1962-1992, the TV host reigned as the King of Late Night TV. During that reign, Ed McMahon beckoned Carson to the stage by bellowing: “Heeere’s Johnny.” Those who have seen The Shining, will remember a demented-looking Jack Nicholson beating in a door, then sticking his head through the emerging hole and saying the same phrase. It didn’t seem quite as welcoming when he did it, however.
Catch phrases are the American way. We get them from our favorite television shows, our sports teams, advertising geniuses and from our favorite movies. The following list of favorite catch phrases, prepared by TV Land producers and editors, is listed in descending order.

2. “One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind" was uttered by Neil Armstrong as he stepped on the surface of the moon on July 20, 1969. Much ado has been made over this phrase as Armstrong flubbed the line. The line that should have been said was: “That's one small step for a man; one giant leap for mankind.” Armstrong left out the one-letter word “a.”

3. Even people who don’t watch Donald Trump’s show, The Apprentice, know his (favorite) phrase: “You’re fired!” Maybe it’s because it is done only once a season, but not nearly as many repeat the show’s other line: “You’re hired!”