The Three Stooges They will always and always be the kings of slapstick comedy. Originally composed of Moe Howard, Larry Fine and Shemp Howard, the trio began as a vaudeville comedy in the 1920s. In 1932, Shemp Howard left the group to pursue a solo career. Sequentially, he was replaced by Curly Howard, the younger brother of Moe and Shemp. Fortunately, this change did not affect the Stooges' success and allowed them to make a comfortable transition into the film industry.
The Three Stooges short films were shot between 1934 and 1957 in association with Columbia Pictures. Despite the alternating cast members, the original black-and-white plays are continually revered by any comedy connoisseur, particularly for their overly theatrical violence and clever one-liners. Some of these one-liners turned into repeated quotes used throughout the entire series, creating memorable catchphrases for fans to rejoice in their appearance.
Curly Howard
Although not part of the original trio Curly Howard is easily the most recognizable and universally adored of jerks. His fast-paced physical humor and unique voice inflections made him a distinct and important part of the trio. In turn, it's no surprise that Curly is the source of many of the series' most beloved quotes. One of which being your famous, "I resemble that observation."
The quote is a prime example of Curly Howard's attitude Clever wordplay throughout the series. Appearing in "Idle Roomers", the phrase occurs after Curly believes a woman is calling him a wolf. Unbeknownst to The Stooges, there is a legitimate werewolf behind them. However, this goes completely unnoticed by Curly. In turn, Howard manipulates the common figure of speech, changing “resent” to “seem,” creating a hilariously ironic statement.
9
"What did he say?"
Moe Howard
The Three Stooges thrived on situation comedy. Placing their unique and awkward characters in obscure settings allowed the filmmakers to create more frequent opportunities for moments of humor. An obvious idea of this formula is the series' iconic mumbling trope, followed by Moe's question, "What did he say?"
The joke works every time, mainly because of the witty storytelling and precise blocking. At some point, right before a character makes an important statement, something drowns out their words. Consequently, Moe turns to the others in confusion, hoping they heard something he didn't. Unfortunately, the answer to, "What did he say?" It was always more of the same, mumbling. The absurd mumblings and slurred words are such a ridiculous response that viewers can't help but laugh at the absurd behavior demonstrated by the men.
8
"Tick-Tick-Tick-Tick"
Shemp Howard, Larry Fine
By reviewing all of the short phrases and famous quotes from The Three Stoogesit's easy to allow some to slip through the cracks. However, many of these forgotten quotes deserve a second look. "Tick-Tick-Tick-Tick," is a perfect example of a repeated catchphrase from the series that doesn't get the love it deserves.
In an urgent scenario, it is common for someone to ask: "What does your watch say?" However, when dealing with puppets, it's common for things to get lost in translation. This is exactly what happens in the series whenever Moe asks "What does your watch say?" Unfortunately for him, this always results in his associate putting his ear to his wristwatch and reciting the iconic phrase. Undoubtedly silly, this sitcom joke seems to land every time the words are spoken.
7
"My mother knows my name"
Curly Howard, Shemp Howard
Harshly intelligent and severely underrated, "My mother knows my name" is an unforgettable quote from the original series. The expression is first heard in the 1936 short film “Movie Maniacs.” Curly is suddenly kissed by a woman, causing him to faint. In turn, Moe runs to the floor to check on his dear friend. In a state of comical hysteria, Moe demands to know the man's name so he can inform his mother of his death, queuing up Curly's iconic quote.
This line is yet another example of the intellectual and impressive writing displayed in The Three Stooges series.
Although often said by Curly, the quote is also used by Shemp in "Cuckoo on a Choo Choo". Regardless of the speaker, the quote always elicits a verbal chuckle due to its abrupt nature and sly presentation. This line is yet another example of the intellectual and impressive writing displayed in The Three Stooges series.
6
"Success!"
Collective
The collective joy of "Success!" It wasn't always guaranteed by the trio, but it always hit the target for the public. The catchphrase was usually accompanied by an unorthodox group handshake. As the men turned back and forth clapping, the continuous chanting of "Success!" would be recited.
No episode would be complete without an involuntary claim of conquest from the group members. Sometimes the catchphrase was delivered a little too soon, creating a hilariously ironic tone to the singing. However, when used correctly, joy evoked a genuine feeling of pride in both viewers and the Stooges. Regardless of the scenario, the quote has always been valued by fans of the series. So much so that the joke was included in the 2012 reboot film, The Three Stoogesdistributed by 20th Century Fox.
5
"A terrible headache"
Collective
The "A Terrific Headache" joke first appeared in the 1941 short film "In the Sweet Pie and Pie." The eye-rolling line always occurred after a single puppet exclaimed"I got it! I got it!" When trying to develop a new idea or scheme. Therefore, when the verse “A Terrific Headache” preceded it, an understandable level of fury would develop between the two remaining men.
In fact, the context of each scene is what made the humor of this quote sit well. This is no different than the rest of the series, as much of the humor relies on a combination of funny lines and physical comedy. However, this particular quote has always been accompanied by the speaker repeatedly banging his head on something next. In the Stooges' eyes, this would clear up their clouded minds and allow them to think better. Unfortunately, this would result in a lack of ideas along with some discomfort in the skull.
4
"I am a victim of circumstances"
Curly Howard
The 1936 short, "Desordem na Corte", is considered one of the best episodes in the history of the Three Stooges. Full of slapstick violence and hilarious jokes, the episode will go down in history as an essential piece of The Three Stooges' legacy. Additionally, it features one of the most memorable quotes in the entire series, that being Curly Howard's, "I'm a victim of circumstance!"
This line has created a cozy and good-natured home in the minds of The Three Stooges fans. In this episode, the three men find themselves in an intense murder trial. After some usual banter, Curly is taken to the stand to recount the events of the night of the murder. Almost instantly, he makes a fool of himself, causing Moe to intervene and physically reprimand the man. Curly's exasperated rebuttal of, "I am a victim of circumstances!" it's hilarious and accurate to their setting.
3
"Why should I..."
Moe Howard
Usually muttered after a dumb example, "Why should I..." is easily Moe Howard's most recognizable catchphrase. Known as the short-tempered leader of the group, it was common for Moe, one of the members of the Three Stooges, to be disturbed by the idiotic behavior of the other two stooges. Whether it resulted in comical violence or a patronizing response, 'Why should I...' it is forever an indicator of imminent consequences.
In the short film "Brideless Groom", the quote is ingeniously altered when it is used against Moe by Shemp Howard, right after he is hit by an opening door. Moe's confrontational response "You should do what?" almost demands that Shemp back off, stringing together the equally hysterical line: "I should be a little more careful." The dialogue capitalizes on the preexisting love for the phrase and creates an entirely new and equally hilarious joke for the audience to recite. However, the original sentence, "Why should I," It will go down in history as one of the best quotes from the Three Stooges.
2
"Certainly!"
Curly Howard
The eternal catchphrase, "Certainly!" is arguably the most used quote in the series. However, the slogan would be nothing without Curly Howard's distinctive voice and enunciation. Pronounced as "soy-tan-lee," this phrase has unwittingly infiltrated the everyday vocabulary of people everywhere. Even in modern times, people inadvertently quote Howard saying this in his tone, regardless of his viewing status. The phrase is funny, versatile and, without a doubt, a classic comedy quote.
Although it is unclear how this exact phrase was initially coined, the lasting effects of the quote are immeasurable. Mainly due to the fact that the word has become second nature in the series, making its way into common conversations in almost every episode. With a high-pitched and overly enthusiastic tone, Curly's response of "Indeed!" is forever ingrained in the minds of puppet fans everywhere.
1
"Nyuk Nyuk Nyuk!"
Curly Howard
Whether considered a catchphrase, a catchphrase, or something in between, "Nyuk Nyuk Nyuk!" is easily the most recognizable quote from The Three Stooges. Once again coming from the lips of Curly Howard, "Nyuk Nyuk Nyuk!" is a verbal representation of his unique laugh. The quote is so popular that, to this day, several products feature the famous words alongside images of the famous trio.
The quote is so popular that, to this day, several products feature the famous words alongside images of the famous trio.
Used in almost every episode, onomatopoeia is a staple of the Three Stooges' verbal humor. In moments of premature celebration, laughter caused more mishaps or theatrical violence. In other cases, it was a verbal sign of a successful venture. Regardless, The Three Stooges will forever be synonymous with distinctive laughter. Therefore, "Nyuk Nyuk Nyuk!" will always be the most memorable quote from THE Three Stooges.