Where does the phrase "wakka wakka," used to punctuate a joke routine, come from? [more inside]
posted by gleuschk on Feb 10, 2009 - 5 answers

"My work here is done." He/she said at the end of every episode, as they walked away to the next challenge... It could have been the A-team, but it's too lonely, or Knightrider but it's too morose; it sounds so familiar, but I cannt find anything about it. I'm starting to think I'm just imagining it, maybe it's a TV show which should have been made, but never was... [more inside]
posted by BadMiker on Nov 21, 2008 - 8 answers

What are some examples of "family jargon"? For example, a friend's father once told a joke to his family that poked fun at the French. He concluded by saying, "Don't tell anyone from France." Now, within their family, "Don't tell anyone from France" means "Let's keep this between us"--and they say it even if the secret has nothing to do with the French. [more inside]
posted by Ms. Informed on Nov 7, 2008 - 112 answers

Rhyming Idioms: I know a couple of 4-year-olds that were rather tickled when I asked them "What's new, tennis shoe" They begged me for more... [more inside]
posted by dogmom on Nov 12, 2007 - 101 answers

What's the origin of the meme "You know who else [does something]" with the standard answer (or implied answer) being Hitler but often replaced by something else? [more inside]
posted by luser on Sep 19, 2007 - 22 answers

My most frivolous AskMe ever: OK you Smarty McSmartertons... Where did that type of "name" start. You know... "Mister Blanky McBlankerton." Our upstairs neighbor was bring heavy-footed yesterday, and I was talking to my daughter about it. I referred to him as "Mister Stompy McStomperton." I've heard that kind of thing more and more lately. Where did it originate? [more inside]
posted by The Deej on Aug 30, 2007 - 48 answers

80's Filter: I need a phrase to put on a shirt for an 80's party on Saturday night! [more inside]
posted by unixrat on Feb 20, 2007 - 51 answers

After helping me name a surgical table (inspiring pee-your-pants laughter) I now need your help with a slogan. Comedy welcome, serious replies equally appreciated. [more inside]
posted by cior on Jun 8, 2006 - 31 answers

Looking for more of these types of catchphrases: "like rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic" or "How did you enjoy the play otherwise, Mrs. Lincoln?" Formula: take a famous historical event and add a sardonic element. (Not like "Et tu Brute" or "Dr. Livingstone I presume" -- they lack the second element.) Can you think of more? Is there one about Custer?
posted by nancoix on May 14, 2005 - 23 answers

Someone jumps or falls from a great height, presumably to their death, and shouts, "I regret nothing!" I've seen this used as a joke in a number of places, but where does it originate? It appeared on The Simpsons in 1992 - a guy yells it when he falls through an opening drawbridge while waiting in line for the Itchy and Scratchy movie - but it seems like it has to be a reference to something else.
posted by Fourmyle on Jan 24, 2005 - 28 answers