The Catchphrase – Hello 211

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From Christine’s Hello in Colossus No.211

The catchphrase, which we sometimes use in our clues, is defined by the Oxford English Dictionary as “a well-known sentence or phrase, especially one associated with a particular famous person”.

Winston Churchill’s phrase Blood, Sweat and Tears was only one of his many stirring wartime quotes. Lord Kitchener urged millions of young men to enlist with the slogan Your country needs you. US president George Bush made the promise Read my lips and Martin Luther’s I have a dream has inspired many a speaker to repeat the phrase.

Back in the 60s, I remember Norman Vaughan’s Swinging, dodgy and Roses grow on you. Expressions such as Dick Emery’s You are awful … but I like you, Mr Humphrey’s I’m free and Baldrick’s I have a cunning plan are still thrown into a conversation. You dirty old man! said Harold Steptoe to his father every week.

TV comedy shows are still a rich source of catchphrases. Catherine Tate introduced Am I bovvered? and What are you like? Little Britain gave us Computer says no.

Groovy baby said Austin Powers, and who could forget Here’s looking at you, kid, when Rick says goodbye to the love of his life in Casablanca? Dirty Harry encouraged felons to commit crimes with his line Go on punk, make my day.

It’s funny what sticks in your memory. I can clearly remember that sporting chant dedicated to footballer Cyril Knowles Nice one Cyril which became an advertising slogan for bread. Beanz meanz Heinz was so popular it made a comeback. Don’t be vague Ask for Haig and Guinness is good for you also stand out in the trivia department of my memory.

Have I left out your favourite catchphrase? Write and tell us. But first, see if you can you remember the film or TV show that the following catchphrases came from (answers in Colossus 211 magazine):

• You talkin’ to me?
• Frankly my dear, I don’t give a damn
• May the force be with you
• Don’t mention the war
• Book ’em Danno
• Good thinking 99
• Shaken, not stirred
• Hasta la vista, baby.

Happy Puzzling!