What Boils My Egg

Sometimes it astonishes me how strong an effect popular culture has on everyday American life. It seeps into the daily mundane activities, reminding us of moments on the silver screen that made us laugh, cry, scream in terror or gush with admiration. We remember these feelings, and these words, and we apply them to our lives. And yet, there are some individuals who always seem to take it one step further…
You know what really boils my egg?

Overused film and television quotes. The ones that are cackled across the dining hall, chuckled amongst huddled groups of students and workers and doltishly utilized as responses to situations that “totally called for it.” It has gradually become a social epidemic.

If film quotes were copyrighted by the actors who spoke them, then Will Ferrell would be the proud owner of multiple islands by now. Understandably so, as his comedy in the early 2000s presented a refreshing take on goofy and ridiculous humor. But by the time next December comes around, I will dread hearing him say, “Buddy the Elf, what’s your favorite color?” solely because of the amount of Facebook status updates that replicate it.

I also cannot fathom the idea of physically counting the amount of times I am subjected to hearing the words, “that’s what she said,” a quote made famous by Steve Carrell’s television goofball character, Michael Scott. Usually a response to an ambiguous and plain statement, it was at one time comical. However, due to misuse and excessive employment, it has become a joke with more boring reruns than episodes of “The Hills.”

I understand that these lines are funny. If they were not, they would not have the amount of comedic impact that they do. The primary issue lies in the heart of moderation. We are quick to mimic what we hear so that others can share in the revelry and laughter, yet we sometimes neglect to realize how many times the phrase has been used. Mere observation can save the line from extinction.

As much as I enjoy these quotes on the rare/correct occasion, with overuse they end up destroying the integrity of the line’s original delivery. So, before you succumb to the knee-jerk reaction of an automatic movie-reference response, ask yourself one question: Is there any way I can be funny and maintain originality?
Consider this egg: boiled.