Seinfeld was not only one of the most popular sitcoms in television history, but also, years after its finale, it remains one of the most rewatchable comedies. The show’s ability to find hilarity in the most mundane of situations made it funny and relatable to everyone.
Though not everything in Seinfeld has aged well, you’ll still hear plenty of lines from the show quoted to this day. Some of its funniest moments still hold up incredibly well, proving its lasting impact within television history. Relive some of the show’s greatest moments with these Seinfeld quotes that are still hilarious today.
Stress Relief
Though not one of the main four characters on the show, Frank Costanza is one of Seinfeld’s most entertaining characters. The irritable and unhinged father of George, Frank is a wild man who can be totally unpredictable, leading to some of the show’s best moments.
Serenity now!
When Frank learns a new relaxation technique in which he calms himself with the phrase “Serenity now,” a long-lasting pop culture quote was born. It becomes funniest every time Frank shouts the phrase in his very uncalming way. It’s also a much catchier saying than “Hoochie mama!”
Shrinkage
One of the funniest aspects of Seinfeld was the way they explored how men and women understood (or failed to understand) the opposite sex. Though Elaine was outnumbered with a three-to-one ratio of males to females, she did manage to bring a feminine perspective to the group’s misadventures.
I don’t know how you guys walk around with those things.
When the group is vacationing in the Hamptons, Jerry’s girlfriend accidentally walks in on George as he is changing. Being that he just got out of the pool, George is concerned with how he appeared. The boys ask Elaine if girls know about “shrinkage,” and her baffled response is hilarious.
Smoker’s Face
Though Seinfeld liked to explore the everyday, uneventful aspects of life, it also embraced its wacky side thanks to Kramer. The outlandish character is the most memorable part of the show to many people and it’s not hard to see why. He constantly elevated the humor to cartoonish levels — in a good way.
Look away, I’m hideous.
After opening a smoking lounge in his own apartment, Kramer finds that his appearance is starting to suffer as a result. When Jerry begins pointing out his severely wrinkled skin and stained teeth, Kramer covers his face like a monster and cries, “Look away, I’m hideous.”
The Comeback
Few characters in television history are as pathetic as George Costanza. From his job to his relationship to his everyday interactions, George can’t seem to avoid making a fool of himself. Even more embarrassing is that he rarely seems to understand what a buffoon he is.
Well, the jerk store called. They’re running out of you.
While in a meeting, George is indulging in some shrimp when a colleague jokes “The ocean called. They’re running out of shrimp.” It’s only after getting humiliated that George comes up with the hilarious comeback. Of course, the comeback is only funny for how completely lame it is.
Vandelay Industries
Though he might not be good at much, George does deserve credit for being a world-class liar. When the stakes are high, George can pull the biggest and boldest lies out of thin air. The only problem is when he has to follow up on said lies.
And you want to be my latex salesman.
While applying for unemployment benefits, George makes up a story about being considered for the job of a latex salesman at the fictitious “Vandelay Industries.” He gives Jerry’s address and phone number as a cover, but Jerry proves to have very high standards for his latex salesmen.
Hanging Out
When Seinfeld first aired, it was like nothing on television. Dubbed by many as “the show about nothing,” it had a unique talent of making everyday conversations hilarious. Many sitcoms that followed would copy that feel, but even today, some of Seinfeld’s commentary rings true.
I’ll go if I don’t have to talk.
One of the funniest and most relatable conversations on the show centers around Jerry and Elaine trying to make plans for the evening. Elaine wants to go out, but she’s not interested in doing anything or even talking. It’s a hilariously perceptive observation that is relatable to a lot of people.
Hole In One
One of the most memorable moments in the show’s history was George’s epic retelling of whale story. After telling a girl he was a marine biologist, the couple come across a beached whale and the crowd gathered insists George, as a marine biologist, save the creature.
Is that a Titleist?
As George tells his friends the amazing story, he explains he found something blocking the blowhole. He reached inside and pulled out the obstruction — a golf ball. Kramer, who was golfing on the beach earlier, proudly proclaims a hole-in-one.
The Soup Nazi
Of all the memorable and bizarre side characters to pop up on the show, the so-called Soup Nazi might be the most infamous. Based on a real New York restaurant owner, the serious and intimidating man insists his customers adhere to his strict rules for ordering soup.
No soup for you!
The first introduction to the character comes when George visits the soup store for the first time. After not getting bread with his meal, George tries to complain. The Soup Nazi shouts “No soup for you!” and snatches away the food. It’s an outlandish moment that has become one of the most quoted lines in television history.
The Holiday Season
Most sitcoms feature a Christmas episode around the holiday season and not surprisingly, Seinfeld put their own twist on the tradition. While everyone is gearing up for Christmas and Hanukkah, George reveals his family celebrated a little-known holiday known as Festivus.
A Festivus for the rest of us.
Obviously, Festivus is a creation of Frank Costanza’s mad imagination. Instead of decorations, the family puts up an aluminum pole. Instead of giving presents, there is the “Airing of Grievances.” Instead of singing carols, there is the “Feats of Strength.” Popularity for the fake holiday has even grown to be celebrated by many fans of the show.
The Contest
While there are many classic episodes of Seinfeld, “The Contest” is often pointed to as the show’s greatest. It finds the gang starting a contest in which they see who can remain “master of their domain” the longest.
You’ll be out before we get the check.
The show does a pretty good job of dancing around the actual matter at hand (so to speak) while still pushing the envelope. As the group discusses the wager of the contest at their favorite diner, Kramer decides he wants in as well. Jerry hilariously remarks, “You’ll be out before we get the check.”
