The Office gave rise to a lot of popular sitcoms, like the NBC conglomerate consisting of Parks and Recreation, Brooklyn 99, and The Good Place. Though some jokes haven’t aged well, the series still has a lot of quotes and moments that are laugh out loud funny today.
Given the amount of Dunder Mifflin swag you can find in any given pop culture store, it’s still beloved in the hearts of the general populace. Also, there’s actually an event in Scranton, PA, for the anniversary of when Kevin spills his world-famous chili. Look it up.
Anyways, here are 10 quotes from The Office that are still hilarious today.
When She Said That
“That’s what she said.” Michael Scott, various occasions.
Though low key misogynistic, sometimes you can’t pass up a good That’s What She Said opportunity. And yes, that includes a girls’ night get-together. You’d be lying if you said you’ve never made a That’s What She Said joke.
The beauty of the joke is that it’s easily applicable to any situation and can usually get a laugh. But we never really remember the exact instances where Michael says it and it’s really a toss-up of whether or not the audience laughs when he does. This one’s become more of a staple in regular conversation than a true quote and that kinda sucks. (That’s what she said.)
When Kevin Revealed the Big Mac Theory
“Every time you buy a Big Mac you set one ingredient aside. Then at the end of the week, you have a free Big Mac. And you love it even more because you made it with your own hands.” Kevin Malone (Season 8, Episode 8).
So we all know Kevin isn’t the brightest wonton on the pu-pu platter, but the Big Mac Theory almost makes sense. Almost. Because really, if you set aside a little bit of your Big Mac every time, you would eventually have a whole Big Mac?
Or you could just buy the Big Mac. That’s probably the less expensive option. There’s something inherently funny about the logic behind the theory - or lack of. But better is Robert California’s reaction to realizing that Kevin’s just been talking about food the entire time. This line is much forgotten among the ranks, but even out of context, it’s just funny.
When Michael Totally Didn’t Panic
“Oh my God! Ok, it’s happening. Everybody stay calm! Stay [bleep] calm!” Michael Scott (Season 5, Episode 14).
Let’s be real, this is applicable to any life situation. A family member’s going into labor? Something amazing just happened to you or a friend? Something catastrophic happened at work?
Yeah, it’s good for everything. And given that Dwight’s fire drill is one of the best cold opens the show ever had, you’re bound to remind everyone of the hilarity that ensued.
When Oscar Became the Fashion Police
“Saddle shoes with denim? I will literally call Protective Services.” Oscar Martinez (Season 9, Episode 22).
We all wish we could be as frank and sassy as Oscar is on any given day, especially when talking about other people’s children. Seriously, we all see those poor, unfortunate young souls committing the worst of fashion crimes because of their parents. Is that not grounds enough for Protective Services? At the very least, we could make the argument for a fashion intervention.
Also, Oscar’s totally right. Saddle shoes do not go with denim.
When Jim Spoke the Truth
“Right now this is just a job. If I advance any higher in this company, then this would be my career. And well, if this were my career I’d have to throw myself in front of a train.” Jim Halpert (Season 1, Episode 3).
We’ve all taken jobs that we don’t like just to get by. Gotta make money somehow! But in some situations, you stay longer than you intended, either because the work perks are good or you’re being paid well. And there’s nothing wrong with that. Jim had ambitions beyond paper selling, so anyone in a similar position can relate.
When Your Life is Still Buffering
“It’s like my life is buffering.” Kelly Kapoor (Season 8, Episode 17).
Life gets put on hold sometimes, either from extenuating circumstances or smaller personal hangups. Buffering is the perfect word for it. But the good thing about buffering is with enough time (and a strong enough internet connection), your browser will finish loading whatever it was you wanted. Waiting periods aren’t forever!
When Michael Followed the GPS
“The machine knows!” Michael Scott (Season 4, Episode 4).
Navigating through unfamiliar territory is anxiety-inducing at worst and annoying at best. Thank goodness for Google Maps and Waze! But sometimes, the GPS isn’t always right, as Michael quickly finds out when he takes the directions a little too literally.
Sometimes, human intuition (well, eyesight) is correct! So don’t drive right into a lake when there’s a curve in the road ahead. It’s not healthy to rely so much on technology.
When Stanley Laid Down The Law
“Did I stutter?” Stanley Hudson (Season 4, Episode 16).
This entire episode is legendary, but this is the quote-est with the most-est. The way Stanley delivers this line is amazing too, right up there with when he was berating Ryan for going after his daughter (even if it was the other way around, Ryan kind of deserved it).
Just be careful who you say this around. Friends and family? Sure. Your boss? Not everyone has as much chill as Michael Scott. Tread carefully.
When Identity Theft Wasn’t a Joke
“Identity theft is not a joke, Jim! Millions of families suffer every year!” Dwight Schrute (Season 3, Episode 20).
Dwight is right, identity theft is nothing to mess around with. But impressions of people you know? That’s…not identity theft. That’s just funny. Hopefully. Don’t be mean to people you like.
The classic Schrute overreaction makes this line iconic and it’s so specific that if you were to whip this one out in a crowd, someone would understand the reference. And if they don’t, it’s a funny quote. Someone will laugh.
When Michael. Declared. BANKRUPTCY.
“I. Declare. BANKRUPTCY!” Michael Scott (Season 4, Episode 4).
The penultimate Millennial mood. Are you broke and you still have to pay rent and somehow eat? Are you a slave to your student loans? Can’t pay for the most basic of essentials? Declare. BANKRUPTCY.
Ok don’t actually unless you really know what you’re doing, but this is a very good way to vent frustrations. Because like Oscar says, nothing actually happens if all you do is scream it at the top of your lungs.
