“How you doin’?” is one thing “Friends” put into the zeitgeist, but it’s just a reminder Joey’s character only thinks about picking up women (unless he’s thinking about food).
Then there’s “We were on a break!” That gets us thinking about how Rachel and Ross’ relationship is based in coercive control and obsession.
The true hero of one-liners is Chandler — even going back to the very first episode, they’re delivered with perfect intonation and timing by Matthew Perry. Here’s a look at some of his lines from the show that we still hear in conversations.
‘You don’t get a lot of “doy” these days.’
In Season 1, episode 2, the group is looking for Rachel’s wedding ring. When Joey asks where she was last wearing it, Phoebe replies: “Doy, probably right before she lost it.” Chandler is quick to respond.
The episode aired in the 1990s, and even today, you don’t get a lot of “doy.” It’s more of an ’80s term, similar to saying “duh” when something is obvious. So while we still don’t get a lot of “doy,” sometimes we get a lot of quoting Chandler saying we don’t get it.
‘Dear God, this parachute is a knapsack!’
In Season 1 Episode 23 (“The One with the Birth”), the friends are waiting in the hospital for Ross and Carol’s baby to be born. Monica starts to get upset about seeing mothers with their babies and wonders when it’ll be her turn — and when she’ll find a husband. Chandler, trying to make her feel better, offers to marry her if they’re both not married by 40. It escalates, and as usual, Chandler uses his humor to escape the discomfort.
‘OK. You have to stop the Q-tip when there’s resistance.’
Season 2 episode 1: “The One with Ross’ New Girlfriend,” Joey is trying to remember how old he was when his family’s tailor did his first suit. “When was 1990?” he asks. Perry delivers another perfectly timed retort.
‘Shut up! Shut up! Shut UP!’
We all laugh at Ross’ “PIVOT!” in Season 5, Episode 16: “The One with the Cop.” (And it’s probably against social norms for people of a certain generation to not shout this when moving a couch.) But the episode truly crosses the line into hilarity when Chandler responds both by mocking him and telling him to shut up.
‘I’m not great at the advice. Can I interest you in a sarcastic comment?’
Between the script and Matthew Perry’s delivery, the show often accomplishes scenes where Chandler describes himself adeptly in one line. In Season 8, Episode 17 (“The One with the Tea Leaves”), Rachel is concerned about her relationship with Joey after he admits he’s in love with her. In a solo conversation with Chandler, he makes it clear he’s not the right one to ask for help.
‘I’m Chandler. I make jokes when I’m uncomfortable.’
In Season 6, Episode 24, Chandler (“The One with the Proposal: Part 1”) plans to propose to Monica at dinner — but they run into her ex, Richard, on a date. Monica and Richard are catching up, and she notes that he has a mustache again, which he says is because “my nose got lonely.”
Chandler chimes in, addressing Richard’s date: “You don’t have a mustache, which is good,” then introduces himself with yet another perfect depiction of his character.
‘I am not “blah,” I am a hoot!’
In Season 6, Episode 11 (“The One with the Apothecary Table”), Chandler and Monica find out that Joey’s new roommate and girlfriend doesn’t want to spend too much time with them. Joey tells them his girlfriend thinks Chandler is “blah” and Monica is too loud. Chandler takes issue with it.
When did Matthew Perry die?
Actor Matthew Perry died in October 2023 at age 54. As of Friday, Aug. 15, five people had been charged in his death from “acute effects of ketamine,” USA Today reported.
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How to binge watch ‘Friends’
All episodes of the show’s 10 seasons are available to stream on Max.
Midwest Connect reporters Ana Alvarez Brinez, Chris Sims and John Tufts contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Matthew Perry ketamine death: Reliving Chandler Bing’s one-liner classics
