Unforgettable Game Show Catchphrases

A good game show catchphrase reminds you instantly of the game it comes from. These phrases have become part of popular culture and are used casually with friends and even in Hollywood blockbusters. Here's a list of the best catchphrases to come from game shows old and new:

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"Come on down!"

Bob Barker during 'The Price is Right' 34th Season Premiere - Taping at CBS Television City in Los Angeles, California, United States. — Jesse Grant / Contributor / Getty Images

Whether it was Johnny Olson, Rod Roddy, Rich Fields, or George Gray shouting these words, anyone hearing them would know that "The Price Is Right" was underway. It's only fitting that our favorite game-show catchphrase should come from the longest-running game show in North America.

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"I'd like to buy a vowel, Pat."

(L-R) Host Pat Sajak greets Nancy Kaufman, actress Paige Hemmis, Susan Moran, actor Jeff Probst, Nick Giovine and actress Alison Sweeney during a taping of 'Wheel Of Fortune Celebrity Week' celebrating the television game show's 25th anniversary at Radio City Music Hall on September 29, 2007 in New York City. — Astrid Stawiarz / Stringer / Getty Images

Even people who don't watch "Wheel of Fortune" (and, apparently, some people don't) know this phrase—and use it. Whether you're doing a crossword puzzle or reading something in Welsh, buying a vowel would be a handy option for many of us.

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"Big bucks, no whammies!"

Heard often at casinos, this gem from "Press Your Luck" has become a household phrase. Those of us who are old enough to have watched the show during its original run will likely also hear the beeps and boops of the electronic game board in our heads as it's being uttered. Whether or not you add the "Stop!" at the end is completely your call.

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"Survey says..."

Host Richard Karn at the NBC Studios for a taping of 'Family Feud - Village People vs. Disco Divas', Burbank, Ca. Sunday, Jan. 5, 2003. — Kevin Winter / Staff / Getty Images

Unless you're the host of "Family Feud," you're probably not referring to the average responses of 100 people surveyed when you belt out, "Survey says!" Still, it's a handy phrase when you're revealing an answer to, well, just about anything. And everyone will get the reference, which is another plus.

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"I'd like to phone a friend."

Tonight's Big Winner From 'Who Wants To Be A Millionaire,' Doug Van Gundy, From Marlinton, West Virginia. — Getty Images / Handout / Getty Images

Two catchphrases from "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" could have landed on this list. One is "Is that your final answer?" The other, which made it to this list, is "I'd like to phone a friend" because it's appeared often in popular culture, from movies to viral jokes. Even though phone-a-friend has been discontinued as a lifeline on the show, it's still fondly remembered.

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"Deal, or no deal?"

Sometimes the title of a game show becomes its catchphrase. "Deal or No Deal" was a huge sensation in prime time and Howie Mandel's question at the end of each round has become one of the most popular catchphrases in memory. Even though the show is no longer running, you'll still hear people asking, "Deal, or no deal?"

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"I'll take ___ for $1,000, Alex."

Game show host Alex Trebek rehearses his lines on the set of the 'Jeopardy!' Million Dollar Celebrity Invitational Tournament Show Taping on April 17, 2010 in Culver City, California. — Amanda Edwards/Getty Images

Like most long-running game shows, "Jeopardy!" has several catchphrases to choose from. This one, though, leaves no question as to its origin, and anyone using it is likely also visualizing the game board. There's no doubt who "Alex" is, either. Stop by trivia night at your local pub and find out for yourself how often this phrase gets thrown around.

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"Will the real ___ please stand up?"

To Tell The Truth Television Program — Bettmann / Contributor / Getty Images

Whether or not you recall the game show "To Tell the Truth," you've probably heard this catchphrase. It's been dying out somewhat as new phrases take its place, but it's still a classic, and it's just as relevant years later as it was when it was current.

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"You are the weakest link. Goodbye."

Anne Robinson host of The Weakest Link TV quiz show — Paul Harris/Getty Images

Many people found this game-show catchphrase to be insulting and demeaning. Others thought it was a great hook. Whatever your opinion of "The Weakest Link" and its dismissive phrase, you have to admit that the line caught on. It was deliciously delivered by Anne Robinson, who played the domineering host to a T.