Pop culture has this peculiar way of penetrating your existence and lingering, doesn’t it? At times, it’s a tune that is so catchy that you find it hard to get it out of your head, while in some cases, it is random lines from a movie or a sitcom that pops into your thoughts out of nowhere. For me—and I assume for most of you as well—one such instance would be Gary Coleman’s catchphrase “Whatchu talkin’ ’bout, Willis?” from the television show Diff’rent Strokes.
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To be honest, the first time I heard it, I had no clue what the show was about. All I could tell was that it was quite hilarious. It would always crack my uncle, who was the jokester of the family, and would quote it to anyone at any time, even when it was rather unreasonable for him to do so. Can you even imagine being eight years old only to have that phrase wedged into all Easter arguments going on during Thanksgiving dinners? You chuckle now, but complete and utter bedlam was the result then.
So why this phrase in particular? How did a mere cringe-inducing TV quote become this colossal global phenomenon? Let us proceed to answer that question with a few detours on the way through the family whatutalkingboutwillistyle.
Diff’rent Strokes And Its Distinct Touch
Imagine yourself in the late 70s. Family sitcoms were highly monotonous and similar. Then suddenly Diff’rent Strokes is released and takes the world by storm. What is it about? It is about two African American brothers, Arnold and Willis Jackson, who lose their mother and get adopted by a rich businessman, Philip Drummond. Imagine putting these kids in a lavish apartment in New York. The absolute waste of chaos and laughter that would follow.
Gary Coleman played Arnold, the youngest in the family, and he was the star of the show. Which is no surprise as he had this amazing knack for making any line funny with his strong delivery. Coleman surely stood out, and many can argue it was thanks to the phrase “What are you talking about, Willis?” which was not a simple phrase but a beautiful moment in itself; you could feel the confusion, attitude, and curiosity every time Coleman would say it. The family whatutalkingboutwillistyle is nothing without Arnold’s timeless charm.
What Made It Last?
Now be honest for a second. TV shows have quite a few interesting phrases, but a vast majority of them can be forgotten over time. Arnold’s quote does not seem to be one of them. So, why is that?
Everybody Was Able To Relate to It
Now think about it this way: Were you never in a situation where something shocking was said and all you could say is “What?” Arnold’s quote was just better, more humorous. That’s the magic of the family whatutalkingboutwillistyle.
The Delivery Was Gold
If Gary Coleman was given a line to deliver, he would turn that line into an entire performance. You wouldn’t get the performance if you heard it out of context. Try to say it with Arnold’s accent if you can. I double dare you.
It Felt Real
The sibling squabbles Arnold and Willis had were quite amusing. This is the type of bickering one could expect from having siblings. (If an individual had to bear the curse of being an only child, then the individual’s life must have been devoid of all the fun.) The family whatutalkingboutwillistyle shows how sibling rivalry can be downright hilarious.
My Awkward Arnold Moment
A small anecdote. Back in the times when I was in 8th grade, I thought it would be funny to pretend to be Arnold for my friends. Terrible decision. I did not deliver the line “Whatchu talkin’ ‘bout, Willis?” Instead, I delivered the abomination “What are you saying, Willis?” It was definitive cringing. My friends still joke about it. This is the beauty of the family whatutalkingboutwillistyle: Even if you mess it up, it’s still funny.
The Legacy Lives On
You’d definitely think that a phrase from a show that aired in 1986 would be washed out, but no. “Whatchu talkin’ ’bout, Willis?” has made its way into other things such as memes and statuses.
TV and Movie References
Because of shows like Family Guy and The Simpsons making fun of it, it has stayed relevant for kids. The family whatutalkingboutwillistyle even transcends generations.
Memes and GIFs
Arnold’s face with his line is practically the universal expression of ‘What did I just read?’
Casual Conversations
Go on and admit it. You’ve probably said it at least once over the past year. (No judgment, so have I.) The family whatutalkingboutwillistyle is woven into modern-day expressions.
Frequently Asked Questions About ‘The Family Whatutalkingboutwillistyle’
- What is the phrase supposed to communicate?
It is Arnold’s way of saying, ‘Wait, what?’, only that his tone is somewhat tinged with laughter and skepticism. - Who came up with the phrase?
The writers of Diff’rent Strokes coined the line, but the way Gary Coleman delivered it turned it into a fad. - How has it survived over the years?
Because it is evergreen! It’s funny, looks good on the mouth, is relatable, and practically everyone can grasp it. And nostalgia promises that it doesn’t fade out. - How can I watch Diff’rent Strokes?
Look for it on any streaming service or DVD collections. It is worth a watch again, trust me. - What is that which is inborn in Gary Coleman?
His charm and timing. He had an inimitable way of exploding onto the screen that one remembered every single one of his lines, and every single shot he breathed life into.
Conclusion
In conclusion, what is the main idea? Diff’rent Strokes was not only a sitcom. This was a huge step in television history; dealing with significant questions and making us laugh. And “Whatchu talkin’ ‘bout, Willis?” went beyond as a phrase. It is a memory that continues to amuse us until this very day.
The next time someone says something that is out of context, be Arnold Jackson. You know well the line. The family whatutalkingboutwillistyle lives on: “Whatchu talkin’ ‘bout?”
