Top 10 Iconic Full House Catchphrases

The Tanner family members aren’t strangers to weird happenings. And maybe this is why they’ve come up with a catchphrase just to express their surprise. This is one phrase the younger characters share, usually springing up when they stumble upon something unexpected. Making this so memorable is the fact that the scene is perfectly set up for the quote to make sense. Plus, the enthusiasm with which the line is uttered makes even a mundane event seem like a really big deal. The best occasion to hear this catchphrase has to be when it’s spoken in unison, as it highlights how like-minded these characters really are.

The Tanner family does its best to teach their children about politeness, although Michelle seems to have a different interpretation of this. During the earlier seasons, Michelle becomes “little miss attitude” and employs snarky comments like these. To illustrate this further, she throws the quote that takes this spot the family’s way, and adds an eye roll just for good measure. This kind of cheekiness suits the youngest Tanner perfectly, as her small size is such a great contrast to this catchphrase’s brazenness. Proving that she doesn’t buy into any nonsense, Michelle stretches her “pleases” out to ridiculous lengths to make the other person feel silly. It goes to show that, while she might be small, Michelle can put anyone in their place.

It’s easy to fool kids into believing something that isn’t true. In the case of little Michelle, though, that’s easier said than done. Around the time she begins to have new experiences in her short life, Michelle finds it difficult to believe the things she’s told. As part of her naivete, she uses this phrase while refusing to acknowledge certain truths or just to annoy her siblings. On other occasions, it’s Michelle’s way of putting her foot down, especially when she doesn’t want to follow the adults’ orders. More often than not, it’s her open-mouthed reaction to being proven wrong that makes this so hilarious. It’s also fun to see just how the family will counter Michelle’s disapproval each time.

If there’s one thing that will never change about everyone’s favorite uncle, it’s the obsession he has with his hair. Not only does he consider his locks as his greatest pride; he also makes it a rule to keep a certain distance. In order to make this clear, Jesse has a habit of telling people to watch it when someone gets too close for comfort. This gets to the point where protecting his hair becomes first priority, even when his life might be under threat. Mainly, though, it’s Jesse’s hilarious paranoia that makes it totally worth it when he does utter this catchphrase. The family’s aware of this part of Jesse so much, that he even says it in their fantasies.

Only Michelle can make stating the obvious seem so funny. During the time the youngest Tanner daughter was learning to speak, this was the longest sentence she could string together. Usually said when a big problem takes place, Michelle is there to remind us of the gravity of the situation. Other times it serves as an empty threat, as she uses it as a warning when she’s been done wrong. Making every occasion so memorable are Michelle’s mannerisms, resembling a strict parent telling off naughty children. It doesn’t matter who she’s talking to; when Michelle thinks they’ve done something wrong, they’re definitely in trouble with her.

There aren’t many ways to convey so many emotions with one phrase, other than perhaps this one. A catchphrase of D.J.’s, it’s used every time the eldest Tanner sibling needs to let out her feelings. Initially starting out as a method for D.J. to voice out her exasperation, it morphs into her go-to word for any situation. From conveying her happiness, to times where she’s stuck in a situation, this is definitely D.J.’s favorite form of expression. However, she tends to reserve the catchphrase especially for when she’s feeling a little flirty. It seems her reliance on the phrase only grew with age, as the adult D.J. is known for using it too.

The resident jokester of the household, Joey always knows how to steal the scene. And while he’s best known for the many impressions he can pull off, Joey also has a catchphrase of his own. Being a comedian, “cut it out” usually serves as a way for Joey to segue from one joke to another. On other occasions, it’s a smart tactic to gain even more praise for a successful skit. Whether it’s onstage with admiring fans, or during an appearance on TV, Joey knows the right time to deliver this line. It also seems to be a quirk Joey’s carried from childhood, as flashbacks featuring a younger Joey had him utter this catchphrase without fail.

Easily the most enduring catchphrase of a “Full House” character, this perfectly represents Jesse’s character. Whenever Jesse lays his eyes on someone he’s attracted to, he’s most definitely going to be saying this line. At its peak during his days as a bachelor, Jesse used it to great effect on potential love interests. The phrase works just as well in several other scenarios, such as when he’s feeling mischievous, or when something outrageous takes place. For the rest of the family, this phrase is a way of life for Jesse, considering how they love to use it on him, too. No matter how young or old he might be, this will always be the most identifiable trait related to Jesse.

There’s no doubt that the sassiest member of the family is none other than Stephanie. Even at a young age, the middle Tanner sibling had quips aplenty. However, this catchphrase is reserved for when she feels cornered by everyone else, making her voice out her annoyance. The funniest bit about it is the fact that most of the time it’s Stephanie who’s at fault, but her stubbornness convinces her that everyone else is being rude. The charm of this quote has to be the manner in which Stephanie says it, perfectly capturing the naivete of the character. Decades later, the adult Stephanie hasn’t changed much, as this remains her favorite choice of words.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

“Duh!”
Because Michelle’s Here to Make Everyone Look Like a Dummy

“Holy Chalupas!”
Because This Rugrat Is Always in the Mood for Fun

“Hola Tanneritos!”
Because There’s Always That Annoying Next-Door Neighbor You Love

“Sweet Cheese.”
Because Sometimes There’s No Better Way to Express Your Feelings

“It’s Always Open.”
Because Everyone Is Welcome to This Family

If there’s one quote that sums up the fun-loving nature of Full House, this has to be it. Although she doesn’t have many lines as a toddler, Michelle steals every scene through these few words. Used in a variety of scenarios, it works best whenever Michelle wants to give something her seal of approval. The delivery of this quote is carefully interjected into a scene, usually as the punchline of a joke. It’s not complete without the exact manner in which Michelle says it, though, as she gives the person before her a big thumbs up before uttering the catchphrase. It serves as a reminder of the precocious Michelle’s mischievous antics, and one of her most lovable quirks.