Movies
What phrase has become a proverb from Apollo 13?
“Houston, we have a problem” The phrase is widely used to indicate a major problem has occurred.
(Orwell, 1984) → now a proverb-like warning about surveillance.
“Big Brother is watching you”
Often linked to Friends, this term describes being stuck in a platonic relationship despite romantic interest.
Friendzone
What is "rickrolling"?
when you troll someone on the internet by linking to the music video for Rick Astley's 1987 hit song “Never Gonna Give You Up.”
This phrase from Star Wars refers to an unpleasant, evil, or harmful aspects of a person, group, or activity. It can also refer to a side of oneself that one keeps hidden due to shame or embarrassment. In a broader sense, it can signify a shadowy, sinister, or criminal element within a larger context.
The Dark Side
Shakespeare (Macbeth) → meaning: you can’t change the past.
What's done is done
The euphemism for not wearing underwear has been a part of college slang since at least 1974, according to Slate, but it wasn't until a 1996 episode of "Friends" that it entered the common parlance.Referes to not wearing underwear
Go commando
Originally meaning “reserved” or “modest,” this word went viral on TikTok for describing quiet, understated behavior.
Demure
This Jaws line is used when a task or problem turns out much bigger than expected.
“You’re gonna need a bigger boat”
(The Wizard of Oz) → now a proverb-like saying about comfort and belonging.
“There’s no place like home”
a form of innuendo that takes innocent statements out of context and makes them sound lewd or sexual from The Office
That's what she said
TikTok slang for charm or romantic skill, short for “charisma.”
Rizz
The Matrix (1999) actually gave English quite a few phrases and metaphors that are now everyday slang, especially online. Name 4
“Red pill” / “Blue pill” – Choosing the truth (even if unpleasant) versus remaining ignorant or comfortable.
Current use: Widely used in political, philosophical, and self-improvement contexts.
“There is no spoon” – A reminder that limits can be overcome by changing one’s perception.
Origin: Said by a boy bending a spoon with his mind in the Oracle’s apartment.
Current use: Metaphor for questioning reality or constraints.
“The Matrix” itself – A metaphor for an artificial or manipulated reality.
Origin: The simulated world in which humans are trapped.
Current use: Used to describe feeling like the world is fake or controlled.
“Glitch in the Matrix” – A small anomaly suggesting something is wrong or being altered.
Origin: Neo sees a black cat twice in a row, which signals a change in the program.
Current use: Used to describe déjà vu or weird coincidences
Shakespeare (The Merry Wives of Windsor) → meaning: opportunities are endless.
“The world’s my oyster”
First heard on Seinfeld, it’s used to gloss over boring details.
Yada, yada, yada
What do these abbreviations/phrases mean?
IFYKYK
IDK
ICYMI
Cap / No cap
1. if you know you know
2. i dont know
3. in case you missed it
4. Cap = lie, No cap = truth