Top 5 Favorite PC Sitcom Insults

We all know catchphrases from sitcoms, we love them especially when they become iconic. But today I wanted to figure on a specific kind of catchphrase. When the catchphrase is really a cover for an insult using words that of course can’t be used on a network sitcom. They either replace the offending word, or turn a harmless phrase into one that stings. 

Here are five examples, and the rule here is that it has to be one word or phrase that is repeated throughout the series. And it has to be covering a nasty personal insult, since many catchphrases aren’t intended to be insults. On Good Times jj walkers “dynomite” was great but that was to show excitement. On Full House it was cute when Stephanie said “how rude” but that was exasperation not an insult. And Family Matters had Urkels famous “did I do that??” Which was accepting responsibility for a mistake. 

#5.Welcome Back Kotter 

I guess saying “up yours” wouldn’t be very pc so Vinnie Barbarino expanded it to make it the much more clever “up your nose with a rubber hose” which is simultaneously cleaner and meaner. 

#4.Alice

What can you say about the late great Polly Holiday? I never really watched this show but always knew the line she was famous for. "Kiss my Gritts" as a replacement for "Kiss my a**" really shouldn't have worked. But she made it work. 

#3. Happy Days

This one is great, I’m surprised it’s not more iconic. What I love is how varied it can be. Rather than saying knock it off or shut the he** up, say “sit on it” and you get your point across. 

#2.All in the Family

With the tragic passing of Rob Reiner it’s only fitting to have this one here. I guess Archie was kind enough not to come out and call him a moron or something. Wonder if Reiner minded being called Meathead his whole life? My guess he didn’t mind at all. 

#1.Seinfeld

You may wonder why I say this is #1 since it’s not as overly nasty as the others. But that’s the beauty of it. It’s just so great and simple, taking three words usually meant sincerely and basically turning them into “ I really don’t care”. I love it so much I started using it and it stuck. Yeah I say this all the time and if people get annoyed all I can say is “that’s a shame”. 

Plenty more I considered but did list. Do you have a favorite you think belongs here? Comment and let me know.