By Jae-Ha Kim
Chicago Sun-Times
May 3, 2004
“Oh. My. God!”
“How you doin’?”
“I know!”
Quick — real fast. Recognize these phrases? If you knew in a heartbeat these were some of the catch phrases from “Friends,” then you’re obviously a fan. If you’re not a fan but recognized them anyhow, chances are someone in your life repeats them ad nauseum.
The fact is, “Friends” hasn’t spawned a whole lot of fashion trends (other than “The Rachel” hairdo), but it did create a whole loopy lingo and a way of speaking that resonated and caught on with Generation Y.
Just as “I know you are, but what am I?” became equated with Pee-wee Herman, and “Yeah, that’s the ticket,” is instantly associated with Jon Lovitz’s “Liar” character on “Saturday Night Live,” “How you doin?” has become the cheesy pickup line everyone can laugh at, thanks to a clueless but lovable Joey Tribbiani.
will be among the panelists discussing the show’s lingo on “Today” this morning on WMAQ-Channel 5.
