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The Best Show on WFMU => Show Discussion => Topic started by: Gilly on October 20, 2007, 03:38:43 PM

Title: Unconscious Best Show references
Post by: Gilly on October 20, 2007, 03:38:43 PM
Have you ever used something you heard on the Best Show in everyday conversation unconsciously? Just yesterday I called someone a Philidummy and had the hardest time explaining it to a person who has never heard the Best Show before. I still don't think they really understand. I didn't even make an effort to use it...Has anybody else had a hard time explaining what seemed normal to them? I guess taking on the mannerisms of Roy Ziegler isn't normal but you get what I'm aiming at.
Title: Re: Unconscious Best Show references
Post by: Shaggy 2 Grote on October 20, 2007, 04:31:09 PM
I do it all the time.  It's a lot like PFT's point about the way most people experience humor (w/r/t why most people don't care about Carlos Mencia's joke-theft).  I'd never use anything from the Best Show or any other comedian in my own work, but I use it in conversation all the time, mostly just to my wife.  I've called about three different people soft serve in the past two weeks or so.

I also use Andy Breckmanisms on occasion, but they're a lot harder to pull off, maybe because the radio Andy is more like the real Andy than the radio Tom is like the real Tom.  Or maybe Andy's just been at it a lot longer.
Title: Re: Unconscious Best Show references
Post by: Dorvid Barnas on October 20, 2007, 04:33:05 PM
Ew boy, I've been doing quite a bit of that this year.  (see: Ew boy)
It's definitely unconscious for me; when you hear someone's voice for so many hours in a month, it's hard not to pick up on something. 

I haven't been using anything as show-specific as "Philadummy", but the phrases "ew boy" and "oh brother" have re-entered by vocabulary.
I've also been using "buddy" a lot more.
Title: Re: Unconscious Best Show references
Post by: Shaggy 2 Grote on October 20, 2007, 05:17:01 PM
Yes, buddy!  I've been doing that too.  And oh brother.
Title: Re: Unconscious Best Show references
Post by: Chas on October 20, 2007, 05:22:35 PM
This is an ongoing issue with my wife.  An ongoing refrain in my house:  "Stop talking like Tom Scharpling!"  But I don't even realize I'm doing it. 

The main expressions I'm using lately are "Holy Moley" and "Whaaaaat?"  (in the high pitched Tom way, not the Wurster, wait whuuuut way).

Title: Re: Unconscious Best Show references
Post by: Shaggy 2 Grote on October 20, 2007, 06:09:11 PM
It's like we comprise some sort of nascent mutant men's movement.  I hereby christen it Iron Tom.
Title: Re: Unconscious Best Show references
Post by: Forrest on October 20, 2007, 06:35:19 PM
Ever since the movie quote manifesto, I have been very quick to throw around the phrase "old-timey garbage" at anything deserving of the moniker.
Title: Re: Unconscious Best Show references
Post by: Laurie on October 20, 2007, 08:38:26 PM
I've been saying "sodey" a lot.
Title: Re: Unconscious Best Show references
Post by: Chris L on October 20, 2007, 08:48:24 PM
I tend to moan and groan in exaggerated frustration now.  I'll spare you the thought of me moaning and groaning in other contexts...  Whoops, guess not! 
Title: Re: Unconscious Best Show references
Post by: Emily on October 20, 2007, 09:07:17 PM
i'll say "all riiiight" to end a conversation. works like a charm.
Title: Re: Unconscious Best Show references
Post by: Shaggy 2 Grote on October 20, 2007, 09:16:13 PM
I've actually started making that little squeak that has replaced "goodbye."
Title: Re: Unconscious Best Show references
Post by: congolia on October 21, 2007, 03:13:58 AM
Tom's impression of Harrison Ford left me obsessed with the phrase, "Give me back my _______" for a number of weeks.  I went to a cousin's wedding and taught some of my cousin's kids to repeat the phrase. 

You haven't lived until you've seen a group of four year olds running around saying, "Give me back my family."  It didn't make me very popular with my cousins, though.

I guess this doesn't count as "unintentional", other than the fact I found myself compelled to do it.

Title: Re: Unconscious Best Show references
Post by: Denim Gremlin on October 21, 2007, 04:40:15 AM
I actually managed to work "it's my way or the you die way" into conversation today.
Title: Re: Unconscious Best Show references
Post by: Ason on October 21, 2007, 07:45:56 AM
unrelated but Howard Stern used GOMP again last week

I think the Wednesday show

I thought about cutting up and posting it here
but it was a clip full of toilet talk

and whats the point really?
Title: Re: Unconscious Best Show references
Post by: Sarah on October 21, 2007, 08:08:55 AM
I went to a cousin's wedding and taught some of my cousin's kids to repeat the phrase. . . . You haven't lived until you've seen a group of four year olds running around saying, "Give me back my family."

Not being a fan of weddings, I would welcome this spectacle at any I were compelled to attend.
Title: Re: Unconscious Best Show references
Post by: christine on October 21, 2007, 10:05:53 AM
The only Best Show-ism I've found myself dropping unintentionally "jeepers."  A lot, too.  Pretty much any time I would normally say "jeez," I guess.  Luckily no one's asked so I haven't had to explain.
Title: Re: Unconscious Best Show references
Post by: Amplituden on October 21, 2007, 11:57:49 AM
I keep saying Holy Guacamole and calling people hot shots.
I just got a new job where I have to talk to people on the phone all the time and my voice seems raise three octaves when i am saying good-bye.
I don't mean to imitate Tom, but he has creeped into brain!
Title: Re: Unconscious Best Show references
Post by: Tim K in DC on October 22, 2007, 03:44:34 AM
I find myself using "horrible," "just horrible," or "awful" more often lately, and I always notice them when they're coming out of my mouth.
Title: Re: Unconscious Best Show references
Post by: dotmap on October 22, 2007, 09:34:50 AM
Me and my brother do the "HUGH!" exhaling sound he does when he hangs up with people to each other to the point where now I do it to people who don't even listen to the show, like my parents.
Title: Re: Unconscious Best Show references
Post by: moonshake on October 22, 2007, 11:58:07 AM
Not an unconscious reference, but I've used this on purpose a couple of times: ;D

"I shan't..."
Title: Re: Unconscious Best Show references
Post by: yesno on October 22, 2007, 12:40:15 PM
I've actually started making that little squeak that has replaced "goodbye."

That sounds to me like the "impression" that people on the Howard Stern Show used to do of Jackie Martling.  Also, in a recent show, Tom asked a caller, "What, do you think you're Jackie the Jokeman?  Laughing at your own jokes?"  So now I can't hear that sound as anything *but* a Jackie the Jokeman impression.
Title: Re: Unconscious Best Show references
Post by: nerryawesome on October 22, 2007, 07:01:08 PM
Me and my brother do the "HUGH!" exhaling sound he does when he hangs up with people to each other to the point where now I do it to people who don't even listen to the show, like my parents.

I'm the brother Dom's referring to. I have actually resorted to repeating Tom's recent "bye" sounds to waiters or waitresses when they walk away from the table after taking our orders. It's become completely second nature.
Title: Re: Unconscious Best Show references
Post by: John Junk on October 22, 2007, 09:18:27 PM

You haven't lived until you've seen a group of four year olds running around saying, "Give me back my family."  It didn't make me very popular with my cousins, though.


I started cracking up just reading this.  I say "how dare you" and "Whaat?" (the Tom way not the Wurster way) all the time.  I also said "Holy Moly" a lot for a while and then eventually I just started saying "Holy Smokes" which I'm not really sure is a Tom thing.
Title: Re: Unconscious Best Show references
Post by: Tim K in DC on October 22, 2007, 10:18:17 PM
Also: "Horrifying."
Title: Re: Unconscious Best Show references
Post by: masterofsparks on October 23, 2007, 06:17:33 AM
I've found myself making Tom's "Ugh" noise of disgust a lot lately.
Title: Re: Unconscious Best Show references
Post by: Phantom Hugger on October 23, 2007, 12:51:03 PM

You haven't lived until you've seen a group of four year olds running around saying, "Give me back my family."  It didn't make me very popular with my cousins, though.

I just started saying "Holy Smokes" which I'm not really sure is a Tom thing.

I think "Holy Smokes" is Rookie of the Year, Eddie's tag.

I've found myself stammering for a couple seconds (or more) while searching the old memory banks for an appropriate reference.

Also, I will consciously use, "what is this, a Paul F. Tompkins convention" at the next appropriate event.
Title: Re: Unconscious Best Show references
Post by: John Junk on October 23, 2007, 02:58:16 PM
Me and my brother do the "HUGH!" exhaling sound he does when he hangs up with people to each other to the point where now I do it to people who don't even listen to the show, like my parents.

Oh yeah, I've totally got in the habit of saying a very high pitched "bye" to everyone I know when I get off the phone.  I also have been encouraging my gf to say "What are you bragging?" to her fellow grad students whenever they refer to any minor, barely-worth-mentioning thing they've acheived or accomplished.  As in

 "I finally finished reading 'Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction' this morning."

"What are you braggin'?"

"No, I just thought he makes som..."

"You're a big shot all the sudden?"

Title: Re: Unconscious Best Show references
Post by: DoodleJump! on October 23, 2007, 03:11:38 PM
i said "Jeepers" the other day and got soundly made fun of.
Title: Re: Unconscious Best Show references
Post by: Chris L on October 23, 2007, 04:05:42 PM
Sometimes I'll say "jeepers creepers" in Bishop Pablo Fontana's accent.
Title: Re: Unconscious Best Show references
Post by: Chris L on October 23, 2007, 04:30:28 PM
Also, I just said about something innocuous at work, "That's hot stuff, jack."
Title: Re: Unconscious Best Show references
Post by: paul on October 23, 2007, 08:14:33 PM
i use "ape eared" a lot. i guess that's more of a conscious reference tho.


how's this for an unconscious best show reference? today i went to the career services office at rutgers, and the woman i was talking to pronounced variety "vyarity". ha!!! i seriously had to refrain from giggling for a good minute or so. fortunately, realizing that i'm never going to get a real job put an end to that...
Title: Re: Unconscious Best Show references
Post by: samir on October 24, 2007, 09:30:29 AM
i've been calling people "creeps" more often lately, thanks to the archives.
and, once, i did say "are you strapped in, do you have your helmet on?" before telling my roommate something important.

first post!
Title: Re: Unconscious Best Show references
Post by: Stan on October 24, 2007, 10:07:27 AM
i've been calling people "creeps" more often lately, thanks to the archives.
and, once, i did say "are you strapped in, do you have your helmet on?" before telling my roommate something important.

first post!


 Eeeeewww boy.*









*Just kidding. Actually my Mom has been using that one since the late 1960s.
Title: Re: Unconscious Best Show references
Post by: Josh Fenderman on October 29, 2007, 01:38:41 PM

Also, I will consciously use, "what is this, a Paul F. Tompkins convention" at the next appropriate event.

I'm definitely using that anywhere there are more than 2 people wearing suits... at least until I come up with something better.
Title: Re: Unconscious Best Show references
Post by: Josh Fenderman on October 29, 2007, 01:45:29 PM
This is more of a mannerism than a specific reference... but I noticed it's more pronounced when I want to suggest my displeasure with "something" by just saying "something" in a particular tone of voice... if that makes sense.  Tom does it a lot.

I can't think of a good example but he probably does it at least once every time JW calls in.
Title: Re: Unconscious Best Show references
Post by: Denim Gremlin on October 29, 2007, 03:09:40 PM
This is more of a mannerism than a specific reference... but I noticed it's more pronounced when I want to suggest my displeasure with "something" by just saying "something" in a particular tone of voice... if that makes sense.  Tom does it a lot.

I can't think of a good example but he probably does it at least once every time JW calls in.


for example Tom will say "you're talking about coke arn't you?"

then JW will do his timid little "yeaah..."
Title: Re: Unconscious Best Show references
Post by: Eric on October 29, 2007, 06:08:13 PM
Also: "Horrifying."

Yes, me too. Very good word that I had ignored in the past.

I used "how dare you" sporadically before listening to the show, and Tom's use of it reassured me that it's awesome.
Title: Re: Unconscious Best Show references
Post by: fyodor on October 30, 2007, 04:47:10 PM
"Oh [name], what are we going to do with you?"
Title: Re: Unconscious Best Show references
Post by: Chris L on October 30, 2007, 05:10:56 PM
Close enough:

[youtube=425,350]VEGnllIW0PY[/youtube]
Title: Re: Unconscious Best Show references
Post by: pigasus on October 30, 2007, 05:20:00 PM
Sometimes I'll catch myself saying "calvacade".
Title: Re: Unconscious Best Show references
Post by: Laurie on October 31, 2007, 11:08:24 AM
I've been calling my cat Super Zo Osbourne lately, probably because Tom keeps bringing up the guy. She doesn't seem to mind.
Title: Re: Unconscious Best Show references
Post by: Denim Gremlin on October 31, 2007, 02:05:11 PM
Close enough:

[youtube=425,350]VEGnllIW0PY[/youtube]

i was hoping he would say "get ready to meet my little ex-presidential shoes!"
Title: Re: Unconscious Best Show references
Post by: Mainiac FOT on November 24, 2007, 01:02:13 PM
When I was at the local kid gym last week, I pointed to the ball pit, and said to my son "hey Ben, wanna go in the hate pit?" Kid wisely turned away and opted to jump on a trampoline.
Title: Re: Unconscious Best Show references
Post by: Gregory on November 24, 2007, 01:24:18 PM
Recently, if I'm asked how I'm doing, I'll immediately respond with "I'm doin' ok" like Tom says it.
Title: Re: Unconscious Best Show references
Post by: Chris L on January 17, 2008, 12:15:39 PM
I periodically emit a high-pitched "Awww man," Bryce-style. 
Title: Re: Unconscious Best Show references
Post by: mostlymeat on January 17, 2008, 12:47:25 PM
i am finding myself saying "whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat" a lot

and also pbr's "what's that?"

and tons of others. tom's "ugh". i do that a lot.

creepy.
Title: Re: Unconscious Best Show references
Post by: erika on January 17, 2008, 03:54:48 PM
I say "nem" alot instead of "them" and also find myself uttering "ew boy" from time to time.

And then there are all the times my boyfriend screams at me "What one man can do, another can do!" in his best Tom voice.

So there you have it.
Title: Re: Unconscious Best Show references
Post by: A.M. Thomas on January 17, 2008, 07:08:14 PM
Not only do I imitate Tom, but I also emulate other characters from the show, real or not: Petey's Faffer, Bryce's voice, Philly Boy Roy's laugh, etc.

I've actually started making that little squeak that has replaced "goodbye."

And I do this one all the time.
Title: Re: Unconscious Best Show references
Post by: JonFromMaplewood on January 17, 2008, 10:10:01 PM
1. I've got my 4-year-old son saying "whaaaaat" in Tom's high-pitched way.  When I read to him at night and we hit a nonsensical image, he'll say (e.g.) "A steam shovel with a face? Whaaaaaat?"

2. I also use one that Tom used on me...that also devastated me for like a week. He said to me on a bad call, "You flamed out, buddy" (Trust me, it's better to be GOMP'd).  Now I often talk of things "flaming out."
Title: Re: Unconscious Best Show references
Post by: wwwes on January 18, 2008, 10:36:44 AM
I find myself saying "What's that?" all the time lately. On the more conscious side of things, I think I always call Ratatouille Ratalouie.
Title: Re: Unconscious Best Show references
Post by: Shaggy 2 Grote on January 18, 2008, 12:12:04 PM
On the web page for my Rutgers class, there is a message board that I don't think the students will ever use, but I started a thread for things they don't understand from the readings or class discussion.  The thread title is:

Wait...  whuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuut?
Title: When people admit to doing something sleazy or just plain dumb,
Post by: steely damn on January 18, 2008, 01:39:15 PM
I pretty much automatically respond with:

Proud Moments.
Proud, Proud Moments
Title: Re: Unconscious Best Show references
Post by: TVD on January 18, 2008, 07:15:31 PM
I have a nasty habit of saying Tom's "HUH!" when he finishes a good call.  I did it at a bar and the girl I was talking to looked at me as if I had two heads.  I explained "It's... this radio show.... in Jersey.  Suuuuuper funny."
Yeah TVD and the ladies!
Title: Re: Unconscious Best Show references
Post by: John Junk on January 18, 2008, 08:03:07 PM
I have a nasty habit of saying Tom's "HUH!" when he finishes a good call.  I did it at a bar and the girl I was talking to looked at me as if I had two heads.  I explained "It's... this radio show.... in Jersey.  Suuuuuper funny."
Yeah TVD and the ladies!

I do that on the phone all the time with people.
Title: Re: Unconscious Best Show references
Post by: dania on January 20, 2008, 12:04:06 AM
"Oh [name], what are we going to do with you?"


I say this way too often to nouns of all calibers; people, places, and things.  Examples: "Oh alarm clock, what're we gonna do with you?" (expressing my displeaseure at it's inability to wake me up). 
"Oh [local taqueria] what're we gonna do with you?" (at the moment of receiving the wrong taco and it's reticent consequences)...
"Oh local postal worker," (upon receiving another piece of mail for somebody else not me)
"Oh gas heating bill," (whilst glancing at it's astronomical price)
"Oh -" ok that's enough. 
And so forth.  What is happening to me..?  I feel different. 
Title: Re: Unconscious Best Show references
Post by: Gregory on January 20, 2008, 03:33:30 AM
I've been saying

oh ________________, what are we gonna do with you?
uncontrollably these days
Title: Re: Unconscious Best Show references
Post by: emma on January 20, 2008, 12:00:32 PM
Yesterday i was in the midst of a conversation with a writer guy who i suspect has never particularly liked me. He was talking (mostly to himself) about a book he'd read recently that was (I think) about various dictators from around the world.

When he got to Idi Amin, I perked up for the first time in the whole conversation and, without thinking, went "Who's SHE?" PBR-style.

I think he likes me a lot less now.

Title: Re: Unconscious Best Show references
Post by: Sarah on January 20, 2008, 12:35:45 PM
Ah, but I like you even more.  Does that make up for it?
Title: Re: Unconscious Best Show references
Post by: emma on January 20, 2008, 05:00:59 PM
Ah, but I like you even more.  Does that make up for it?
it certainly does!
Title: Re: Unconscious Best Show references
Post by: masterofsparks on January 20, 2008, 05:24:23 PM
Yesterday i was in the midst of a conversation with a writer guy who i suspect has never particularly liked me. He was talking (mostly to himself) about a book he'd read recently that was (I think) about various dictators from around the world.

When he got to Idi Amin, I perked up for the first time in the whole conversation and, without thinking, went "Who's SHE?" PBR-style.

I think he likes me a lot less now.



Hahahahaha! You don't get many chances that tailor-made for such a reference.
Title: Re: Unconscious Best Show references
Post by: emma on January 28, 2008, 09:12:49 PM
I am writing a paper for philosophy class in which I am supposed to respond to the prompt, "create a catchy slogan for stoicism," and i am making the slogan "This is America. You do what you can." Because I am sick of writing papers, and it is all I can do.

Lost marks be damned.

Title: Re: Unconscious Best Show references
Post by: Bozarth on January 31, 2008, 11:22:57 AM
I've noticed my language has cleaned up a bit, and that I will start saying "holy guacamole" instead.

I've also coopted that "oh boy", as well, but that seems to come not only from Tom but Jimmy Pardo on Never Not Funny and Fred Flintstone.
Title: Re: Unconscious Best Show references
Post by: Denim Gremlin on January 31, 2008, 12:42:30 PM
for some reason Staten Island came up in conversation the other day with some people and I blurted out "Hylan Boulevard". Everyone looked at me like I was nuts.
Title: Re: Unconscious Best Show references
Post by: masterofsparks on February 15, 2008, 11:41:48 PM
My wife has never listened to the show but she really enjoys the CDs and soundclips I've played her, enough so that when we were watching TV the other night and were greeted by the sight of Rachel Ray's face, she said "You're a ghost!" as she changed the channel.