You Won’t Believe These 10 Hilarious Tommy Boy Quotes Still Stuck in Our Heads!

by

As a dedicated cinephile, I can’t help but marvel at the countless side-splitting quotes from the timeless gem, “Tommy Boy.” This ’90s comedy stands tall among its contemporaries, offering a rare glimpse of Chris Farley at his comedic peak. The electrifying chemistry between Farley and David Spade in this two-hander makes it seem as though Farley’s big-screen legacy was more extensive than the actuality suggests. Reflecting on Farley’s untimely departure from Hollywood, I find “Tommy Boy” a film that is not only rewatchable but also brimming with memorable one-liners, courtesy of Spade, Farley, and even Rob Lowe.

By the way, let me clarify that I don’t frequently employ these quotes in my daily routines. I’m not like Abed Nadir from Community, always quoting movies. Instead, I spend most of my time at home, typing away and occasionally venting into my phone when my internet connection falters. However, there have been instances where I’ve used these (or similar versions) and I can certainly imagine scenarios where they might be fitting if I haven’t already encountered them. After all, as a writer, I’m expected to be imaginative, theoretically speaking.

10. “Brothers Don’t Shake Hands. Brothers Gotta Hug.”

Tommy Callahan III

As a movie enthusiast, I’d rephrase it like this: “Brothers don’t do handshakes, they give hugs,” says Tommy (Farley), overflowing with delight upon meeting his new stepbrother, Paul (Lowe). Tall, handsome, and charismatic, Paul approaches the door, but is met not by a handshake, but by an eager Tommy who prefers a warm embrace. For Tommy, a hug isn’t just a friendly gesture; it’s a full-blown wrestling move, where he lifts you right off your feet!

Tommy’s puppy-dog demeanor and remarkable physical power are skillfully introduced here, which become significant later on. Tommy has a sweetness about him that’s reminiscent of a child, yet endearing in its own way. This phrase could be used when reacquainting with an old friend or family member. Dropping formalities, a warm embrace often speaks louder than words.

9. “Poor Little Furry Thing.”

Tommy Callahan III

its softness or furriness. I can picture him, in my mind, expressing his sorrow by addressing it as a “furry creature”. The next time I encounter an adorable animal, I might call it a “furry creature” just to see if anyone else is a fan of the movie, Tommy Boy.

This line might seem insignificant, but it takes you by surprise with its unexpected childishness. The sudden appearance of a dead deer in Tommy Boy disrupts the tone, but Farley’s line ensures us that the movie will continue to be funny despite the roadkill. Just as an aside, this could be the ideal moment to crack a joke if you encounter another unfortunate animal on the road during a long drive.

8. “Did I Catch a ‘Niner’ In There?”

Richard Hayden

David Spade might not have as many comedic moments as Chris Farley in “Tommy Boy,” but each one of his humorous instances is a clear winner. As Richard gets to know Tommy at the film’s outset, he finds himself preparing for a long journey with this character who often engages in absurd behavior that others usually let slide. However, Richard can’t help but challenge Tommy on his antics. For instance, when Tommy feigns speaking with an airline representative, Richard pushes him to repeat the fabricated numbers more convincingly.

When someone is clearly spinning an untruthful tale, you could say, “One of the numbers, ‘niner’, sure sounds like military code, and it doesn’t slip past old Richard here. It’s a witty line that shows Spade’s knack for sarcasm, and at the same time, it hints at Richard being more intelligent than his position would suggest. What’s more, he’s not afraid to stand up to Tommy instead of treating him like a child. If you happen to be a Philadelphia Eagles fan and walk into a bar on game day against San Francisco, this could be the perfect line to use!

7. “Housekeeping. You Want Mint For Pillow?”

Richard Hayden

Reminiscent of a comedic scene from “Family Guy,” the phrase “Housekeeping” is often used humorously when checking if someone is ready to leave. Whether it’s at a hotel before a wedding and you need people to hurry up, or on vacation with friends and someone is sleeping in too late, “Housekeeping” serves as an amusing alternative to “Let’s go!“. In this particular scene, Richard plays a prank by pretending to be a housekeeper on an unsuspecting Tommy, who was sleeping in his motel room.

Absolutely, Tommy considers it genuine, which sets up the following point. Richard has a sarcastic and witty demeanor similar to Spade, but he isn’t shy about being a joker, especially when it comes to poking fun at Tommy. The way Spade delivers his lines is amusing, and when you mimic him, the challenge lies in how exaggeratedly high you can pitch your voice.

6. “Please Go Away, Let Me Sleep For The Love Of God!”

Tommy Callahan III

On occasions, I haven’t explicitly uttered these words, but thoughts along these lines have crossed my mind frequently. Few experiences can compare to the annoyance of being rudely jarred from a tranquil slumber. The furious temperament that only Farley could express resonates with many who’ve found themselves in similar predicaments. Although we might not be able to roar as vigorously and lengthily as Farley, there’s a sense of gratification in witnessing someone else do so.

The initial part of the quote is what really makes it amusing. Tommy is so exhausted and annoyed from being awakened that he’s almost on the verge of tears. It’s as if someone were threatening his life, but in this case, it’s Spade threatening to take away another five minutes of sleep. It’s a moment that’s surprisingly relatable, though I wouldn’t suggest replicating it in real life, or else no one might ever willingly wake you up from a nap again.

5. “Did You Eat A Lot Of Paint Chips When You Were A Kid?”

Paul Barrish

In a multitude of ways can one belittle someone’s intelligence, yet this particular instance stands out as particularly noteworthy. As Paul hoses down Tommy following his muddy escapade with cow-tipping, he jigs about while crooning “Maniac” from Flashdance, much like in the film. Even when Paul stops spraying, his witty remark about paint chips adds to the humor. However, it’s Tommy’s honest denial and query for an explanation that truly amplifies the joke to a higher level.

In informal settings, “eating glue” has been a playful term for someone who isn’t particularly intelligent. The internet sometimes uses “crayon eater.” Let’s revive the phrase “wall paint chip nibbler,” even though modern paints don’t chip as easily as they used to due to advancements in materials like latex and silicone. Despite potential confusion, the term still carries a stinging enough connotation that it should be easily understood.

4. “What’d You Do?”

Tommy Callahan III

This phrase I’ve often repeated throughout my life, though I can’t recall if it was from Tommy Boy. “What’d you do?” is a question that occasionally slips out when someone makes an error. To clarify, I’ve never used this phrase to shift blame for something clearly my own fault, like how Tommy does in the movie. After all, he places the door back on his car after accidentally ripping it off, only to blame Richard when Richard unintentionally causes it to fall again.

It’s quite amusing to see Tommy’s clever but misguided thinking. He’s shrewd enough to understand that he shouldn’t have smashed the door, yet devises a makeshift scheme to lay the blame on Richard instead. However, his cunningness doesn’t extend far enough to recognize how ludicrous this plan is and how evident it would be to everyone else that the damage was caused by him. This tactic can sometimes be employed when trying to shift responsibility for something onto a friend.

3. “Do You Know Where The Weight Room Is? I’ll Check It Out.”

Tommy Callahan III

In a more casual and relatable manner: This “tough guy” remark would have been ideal in my college days, especially during those hasty mornings when I was completely unprepared, even for a workout. If Tommy had used it back then, it might have worked, but only if he’d done so ironically. However, his affected deep voice suggests he wasn’t joking. He says this line upon seeing an attractive woman by the pool, strutting over and inquiring about the gym, all while showing off his muscles. Despite his efforts, Tommy isn’t exactly a charmer.

The line is quite absurd yet oddly endearing, much like Tommy himself. Farley has an incredible range; he excels at physical comedy, can shout with the best, isn’t shy about using his body for humor, but this joke, it demands perfect timing and he delivers flawlessly.

2. “Well, I Should Hope So, Because I’m Laying It On Pretty Thick.”

Richard Hayden

As a devoted cinephile, I can’t help but admire David Spade’s knack for sarcasm in films. His characters are so sarcastic that it often becomes a topic of discussion within the movies themselves. When an attendant points out my sarcasm during a conversation, I don’t get flustered; instead, I simply confirm that yes, indeed, I am being intentionally witty, just like Richard did in that movie scene. It’s the type of quick-witted retort I wish I could come up with more often. However, I’ve never actually used it in real-life conversations because it might be a bit too cutting if someone isn’t familiar with the movie reference. That’s the risk we run when we casually quote movie taunts and quips.

If you’re considering quoting Spade or Richard in your everyday conversations, remember that their wit is unique, so it might be wise to practice it in front of a mirror a few times beforehand. It’s best to let them continue being sarcastic and amusing, as “Tommy Boy” is a comedy, not a guide on personal development.

1. “Bees!”

Tommy Callahan III

Previously, I’ve exclaimed “bees!” in certain situations. It’s worth noting that this is not only when I was under an actual bee attack, but also in instances where there was just one bee present. The phrase doesn’t carry the same impact if I simply say “bee”. Tommy, who has experienced this firsthand, has a clever strategy when he and Richard get pulled over by police officers: he shouts “bees!” and starts flapping his arms around. Remarkably, this tactic works and successfully diverts the attention of the law enforcement officials.

The casual usage of “bees” is amusing, despite their true nature as menacing stinging insects. Yet, they possess an adorable charm, resembling tiny furry creatures. The scene where Farley yells it and then comically reacts, coupled with his unique physicality, creates a comedic blend destined for greatness. Richard’s participation further enhances the hilarity of this moment, making it clear why Tommy Boy, among other ’90s comedy movies, has endured over time.

Read More

2025-04-19 00:16