Northwest Arkansas Moms’ favorite catchphrases

Holy Cow! sign in Lake Taupo

Some of our best, most entertaining things on nwaMotherlode come from moms who post comments. And we LOVED the funny comments in a giveaway post where we asked local moms to tell us what their favorite catchphrases are… the ones they find themselves using the most around the house and with the kids. Enjoy!

Comment from Haley
Time April 2, 2012 at 4:40 am

Chill, pickle!

Comment from Amanda
Time April 2, 2012 at 4:54 am

I can’t help but think of all the silly phrases from when I was growing up – like NOT! and COOL BEANS! Not necessarily favorites, but worth the mention! ;)

Comment from Lynette
Time April 2, 2012 at 5:57 am

Hold your horses! :)

Comment from Lisa
Time April 2, 2012 at 6:49 am

You get what you get and don’t pitch a fit.

Comment from BigD
Time April 2, 2012 at 7:22 am

Holy Pete!

Comment from Belinda
Time April 2, 2012 at 8:23 am

Hold on cowboy!

Comment from Shannon
Time April 2, 2012 at 8:32 am

“use your brain”

I like to remind my kids that they are wiser than their choices. Saying “use your brain” is a quick way to say that’s not the best behavior but it also leads them to discover that themselves.

Comment from Marian
Time April 2, 2012 at 8:34 am

If you mess with the bull you are going to have to stay on the porch. (Just my own version)

Comment from angie
Time April 2, 2012 at 8:39 am

I can’t see a bunch of birds without breaking into song, ‘feed the birds, tuppence a bag. Tuppence, Tuppence, Tuppence a bag!’

Comment from Shannon Langston
Time April 2, 2012 at 8:40 am

My husband and I always say “DWI” to each other. It means “Deal With It”. It’s our way of telling each other, I”m winning this one! :)

Comment from Stephanie
Time April 2, 2012 at 8:41 am

I’m partial to over-using the term “Yipes!” at any given moment.

Comment from Brannan
Time April 2, 2012 at 8:41 am

I’m probably telling my kids to Take a Chill Pill more than anything :P

Comment from Crystal
Time April 2, 2012 at 8:44 am

“If your gonna be dumb you’ve gotta be tough”

As the mother of 2 very adventurous little kids, we have taught them that if they get hurt after we tell them that they are going to get hurt doing whatever it is that they are doing, they are not allowed to cry about it. I even heard my 3 yr old say it to my 6 yr old not too long ago!

Comment from lisa smith
Time April 2, 2012 at 8:46 am

“Your mom!”

Comment from Amy Hickman
Time April 2, 2012 at 8:46 am

What’s the “dill” pickle?

Comment from Jana
Time April 2, 2012 at 8:47 am

“You get what you get and you don’t throw a fit!”

Comment from Denice
Time April 2, 2012 at 8:47 am

Own your behavior…

Comment from Stefanie
Time April 2, 2012 at 8:48 am

“I may not know if you’re lying, but God knows!” – I use this with my kids when I think they aren’t telling the truth. I don’t know that it works, but I hope it scares them a little.

Comment from Heidi
Time April 2, 2012 at 8:51 am

You’re a bull in a china store.

Comment from Tracie
Time April 2, 2012 at 8:51 am

Success is 99% attitude!

Comment from Susan
Time April 2, 2012 at 8:58 am

It is what it is.

Comment from Dara Young
Time April 2, 2012 at 9:01 am

My phrase is “Holy Moly!”

Comment from Alaina
Time April 2, 2012 at 9:01 am

You get what you get and you don’t throw a fit

Comment from Mary Jo Smith
Time April 2, 2012 at 9:04 am

I always says “Buckle up, Buttercup!” to my little guy. :)

Comment from Martha
Time April 2, 2012 at 9:07 am

Pretty is as pretty does!

Heard it all my life from my mother….

Comment from Kristen Hargett
Time April 2, 2012 at 9:07 am

awesome

Comment from brenda
Time April 2, 2012 at 9:08 am

Bazinga is my favorite quote

Comment from carrie
Time April 2, 2012 at 9:08 am

I’m the momma!!

Comment from Shannon
Time April 2, 2012 at 9:09 am

Seriously?!

Comment from Rachel Huff
Time April 2, 2012 at 9:16 am

thanks to word girl “wordup” is one of my favorites.

Comment from Meredith
Time April 2, 2012 at 9:19 am

Holy Schnikies!!!
I Love Mary Poppins!!
Thanks mamas!!

Comment from Ashley
Time April 2, 2012 at 9:20 am

Golly gees good gravy!!!

Comment from Kristy Williams
Time April 2, 2012 at 9:21 am

If you can’t say nu-thin nice, don’t say nu-thin at all!

Comment from sara @ it’s good to be queen
Time April 2, 2012 at 9:21 am

i have many weird phrases and sayings….that my children often repeat…. “what in the sam hill???” for example. ;)

Comment from Thipp
Time April 2, 2012 at 9:29 am

you get what you get and you don’t get upset!

Comment from Amber
Time April 2, 2012 at 9:48 am

Quick as a wink! I say that one often when trying to get the kiddos a movin’:)

Comment from Jenny B.
Time April 2, 2012 at 9:52 am

Spit-spot! I also sing Stay Awake to my boys. LOVE Mary Poppins!

Comment from Julie

Howdy or Okee Dokee

Comment from Tonya Schein
Time April 2, 2012 at 9:53 am

beshaw!

Comment from Ashley Daniel
Time April 2, 2012 at 9:53 am

Because I’m the Mommy!

Comment from Joanna
Time April 2, 2012 at 9:59 am

Buckle up, Buttercup!

Comment from Elizabeth
Time April 2, 2012 at 10:01 am

I agree with a previous poster– “It is what it is.” I find myself saying that all the time!

Comment from Rikki
Time April 2, 2012 at 10:04 am

I say “check it out” way too much when I want my son to see something I’m excited about. Recently he started saying it every day. At first thought, “How cute! Where did he learn that?” and then I heard it come out of my mouth and realized how often I say it. :) Apparently, he learned it from me and that’s my signature phrase.

Comment from Holly
Time April 2, 2012 at 10:08 am

Love you honey bunches!

Comment from Stacy schmidt
Time April 2, 2012 at 10:10 am

I am a special education teacher and I work with children with many disabilities. So I often use “toto I don’t think we are in Kansas anymore.” everyday is a new day and often I feel as if I am somewhere else. Lol.

Comment from Karine
Time April 2, 2012 at 10:15 am

Uff Da! (My Norwegian heritage shining through!)

Comment from Kim Williamson
Time April 2, 2012 at 10:29 am

When my kids are sad I always quote my dad and say, “I once shot an elephant in my pajamas, how it got there I’ll never know!” I say it real quick just like my dad did and it always puts a smile on my kids faces!

Comment from Amanda H
Time April 2, 2012 at 10:48 am

Geez Louise! I don’t even know a Louise! :)

Comment from Trina Saunders
Time April 2, 2012 at 10:52 am

“Kachow!” Lightening McQueen

Comment from Heidi
Time April 2, 2012 at 11:12 am

Oh heavens!

Comment from Kristin
Time April 2, 2012 at 11:12 am

Oh, this is exciting. It’s one of our favorite movies! My children’s favorite part of the movie is when Michael gets his face all dirty while walking on the rooftops. Our favorite phrase here is “Alright, sugar dumpling darling dear.” I don’t know how that started, but it’s a daily phrase here.

Comment from Cheri
Time April 2, 2012 at 11:22 am

Know what? Chicken butt, that’s what!

Comment from Cyndi Dodson
Time April 2, 2012 at 11:35 am

Seriously!??!

Comment from Vanessa
Time April 2, 2012 at 11:37 am

Let’s do it Hewitt! It’s my friends last name but now it’s spread amgonst all our friends to get people to hurry up.

Comment from MItzi
Time April 2, 2012 at 12:11 pm

“Oh my stars.”

Comment from jennifer
Time April 2, 2012 at 12:34 pm

Love it when my 20 month old says ‘Oh Man’!

Comment from Ambre
Time April 2, 2012 at 12:41 pm

My son now says, “That’s easy peasy!” Love it!

Comment from Sonya Kirsch
Time April 2, 2012 at 12:47 pm

That which doesn’t kill me makes me stronger.

Comment from Brittney
Time April 2, 2012 at 12:48 pm

I have so many:
Seriously?
Lickity Split
Hold Your Horses
Don’t get too big for your britches.
Are you freaking kidding me?
Holy Smoke

Comment from Rosemary
Time April 2, 2012 at 1:01 pm

I always tell my daughter she is awesome like a possum! And she is a winner, chicken dinner!! haha

Comment from Lindsay
Time April 2, 2012 at 1:12 pm

What’s the dill, pickle?

Comment from Jacqueline Presley
Time April 2, 2012 at 1:14 pm

“stick to your guns”

Comment from Amy
Time April 2, 2012 at 2:26 pm

Caroline’s favorite word is SUPERCALIFRAGILISTIEXPIALIDOTIOUS!

Comment from Christy
Time April 2, 2012 at 2:38 pm

Awesome possum!

Comment from Sara
Time April 2, 2012 at 3:00 pm

“Hold on to your butts!” I’ve heard my kids tell one another in the car/van. Guess I say that more than I realize.

Comment from Gail Halleck
Time April 2, 2012 at 3:09 pm

seriously
are you freaking kidding me
oh no you didn’t
My son’s band teacher says “he’s like a flea on a griddle” I like that one–so apt.

Comment from Angela Howrey
Time April 2, 2012 at 5:10 pm

That’s a piecrust promise. Easily made, easily broken.

Comment from Tara Stone
Time April 2, 2012 at 5:53 pm

You mess with the bull, you get the horns. ;-)

Comment from Brandy
Time April 2, 2012 at 5:59 pm

Oh Cheese It! I said that after trying to get in the car to fast and squishing a box of cheese it’s in the process, my daughter and I laughed and so from then on when something goes wrong we say oh cheese it!

Comment from Shannon
Time April 2, 2012 at 6:20 pm

“Good Grief!”. I would love to win!!!

Comment from Debbie Eden
Time April 2, 2012 at 6:34 pm

PER-SNICK-UH-TEE…
“persnickety”…I love that word, to describes some a bit testy!!!

Comment from Amber
Time April 2, 2012 at 6:45 pm

“Holy Guacamole!” or sometimes “Holy Guac!”

Comment from Debbie
Time April 2, 2012 at 6:54 pm

You need to get your skates on.

Comment from Becky Bennett
Time April 2, 2012 at 7:14 pm

You get what you get and you don’t throw a fit!

Comment from Becky Upshaw
Time April 2, 2012 at 7:22 pm

This is such an amazing opportunity that I would love to share with my children…the magic of Mary Poppins!

Comment from Becky Upshaw
Time April 2, 2012 at 7:24 pm

Uh Oh, spaghettios!

Comment from Brandy vaneaton
Time April 2, 2012 at 8:03 pm

Chill pickle is mine! I didn’t know anyone else said that! Lol. Sometimes I change it up and say chickle-pickle. LOL. Can not get my daughter to sit and watch this movie, but I know she would love it if she got to see it in person!!

Comment from Helen
Time April 2, 2012 at 8:21 pm

Seriously? Really? Just get it done!

Comment from Becca Shaddox
Time April 2, 2012 at 9:33 pm

Life isn’t Fair!

Comment from Sharon
Time April 3, 2012 at 6:32 am

Oh, there are so many:

Good grief
Holy Moly
Buckle up buttercup
Build a bridge (get over it)
Seriously
Oh, come on!

Comment from MELINDA
Time April 3, 2012 at 7:34 am

HOLY COW
OMG
HEY GIRL HEY!!
REALLY
WHAT
R U KIDDING ME
HMMMM
SERIOUS??
WOW!!
HANG IN THERE

Comment from Carmen
Time April 3, 2012 at 9:11 am

seriously?

Comment from Amy
Time April 3, 2012 at 11:13 am

Oh my goodness…
Ah snowballs…
seriously, girl friend…I mean seriously.

Comment from Melissa W.
Time April 3, 2012 at 11:36 am

Now we’re cooking with gas!!

Comment from cherie robbins
Time April 3, 2012 at 1:39 pm

“I bet the dingo ate your baby”

Comment from jennifer
Time April 3, 2012 at 4:09 pm

My son has picked up “go on!” from me.. so guessing that comes out a lot..

Comment from Jill
Time April 3, 2012 at 7:30 pm

No problem

Comment from Amy
Time April 3, 2012 at 7:34 pm

What’s up, little pup.

Comment from Rhonda
Time April 3, 2012 at 11:47 pm

Awesome! (And, I can use that if I win!)

Comment from Jerri
Time April 4, 2012 at 6:40 am

While I don’t actually use it much – my favorite 80′s saying is “Happy Camper”

Comment from Tanya Cobb
Time April 4, 2012 at 12:51 pm

I really like the phrase, “It’s all about the journey.”

Comment from Carrie
Time April 4, 2012 at 4:02 pm

Oh man!
Awesome!

Comment from Sara Carter
Time April 4, 2012 at 7:53 pm

when I say ok I always say….. Okie Dokie Mr Pokie and my 4 year olds says Okie Dokie Mokie Pokie :)

Comment from Barbara DeMarais
Time April 4, 2012 at 11:03 pm

You’ll never know unless you try. Hmm, that applies to entering this, too, doesn’t it?

Comment from Viviana
Time April 5, 2012 at 12:55 pm

okie dokie, Mr yokie! (to my kid)

Comment from Andrea
Time April 6, 2012 at 7:50 am

When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade

Comment from Karen Mccratic
Time April 6, 2012 at 8:59 am

“REMAIN CALM”

Comment from Tosh Pearson
Time April 13, 2012 at 7:19 am

Favorite saying is one I tell myself every day “Don’t major in the minors”

Add to our list! What’s your favorite catchphrase?

Photo by jcolman via Flickr

4 Comments

  1. I missed the original request for catchphrases, but I have to share a couple that were popular with my grandmother:

    “I’m gonna rain up and cloud all over you!” (yes, said this way… she was a hoot)

    “So small you couldn’t swing a cat without getting fur in your mouth.”

    “I’m gonna climb you like a monkey in a pine tree.” (used on misbehaving children)

    One of my favorites was shared in the post – “use your brain”. 🙂

  2. I missed the original too. I’m always saying Heavens to Betsy! And I remember my Grandma always saying Oh Murder!

  3. Here’s another one from my other Grandma (Bessie Bug), “Just like the old woman who peed in the sea, every little bit helps”. She actually said this on the phone to someone calling from The Salvation Army asking if she had anything for their donation truck.

Comments are closed.