Hey, Schitt’s Creek fans! Got a few minutes, Bébés?
The sitcom ‘Schitt’s Creek’ tells the story of the Rose family, who suddenly go bankrupt. The only possession they are left with is a small town called Schitt’s Creek, forcing them to move there and live in a motel. Throughout the series, audiences enjoy watching the family struggle to adjust to a new lifestyle, completely opposite to their recently stripped luxurious life, which is portrayed hilariously.
The series soon captured attention due to the characters’ unique ways of speaking and their quirks. You know a show is a hit when it becomes a part of social media’s meme culture, and Schitt’s Creek didn’t miss out on that, giving rise to many catchphrases. Each member of the Rose family has a distinctive style of speaking and a unique use of language.
Johnny Rose, the patriarch of the family, is focused on starting a new business to help his family regain the life they once had. From the first episode, it’s clear that Johnny stands apart from the rest of his family. Unlike them, he isn’t overdramatic and tries to remain calm in every situation. His speech also sets him apart, as his straightforward, businesslike tone contrasts with his family’s eccentricity. Johnny’s language reflects his role as the grounding force of the Roses.
Fun fact: the roles of Johnny Rose and his son, David Rose, were performed by real-life father and son Eugene Levy and Dan Levy. Additionally, another character on the show, Twyla Sands, was portrayed by Sarah Levy, Eugene Levy’s daughter.
Moira Rose, portrayed by Catherine O’Hara, is one of the most powerful characters in the show. As the matriarch of the Rose family and a former soap opera star, she is known for her accessorized use of extravagant vocabulary and fancy wigs, which complement her speech and outfits respectively. Along with her peculiar accent—similar to but not exactly a Mid-Atlantic accent—Moira’s speech is filled with uncommon lexis and phrases such as “bombilating,” “bedevilled,” “prick of a prestidigitator” and “thaumaturge.”
Fun fact: O’Hara herself included many of these phrases in her dialogue, making her a true sesquipedalian in Moira’s language. Moira’s exaggerated pronunciation of “baby” as “Bébé” perfectly reflects her theatrical and over-the-top personality and has become a hallmark of her identity. Her ever-changing, extravagant wigs also speak for her. Each one has a name, and she collectively refers to them as “my Bébés” or “my girls,” using them to express her mood or the occasion.
As the saying goes, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Moira’s children are just like their mother—overdramatic, extravagant, but undeniably confident.
Her beloved son, David Rose became popular for his overdramatic reactions. David often uses hyperbolic statements, such as “I’m obsessed with this…” or “This is the best thing that’s ever happened to me,” as part of his sarcastic humour. His body language speaks volumes, and the interplay between his verbal wit and his facial expressions creates some of the show’s most iconic moments.
Alexis Rose, the Rose family’s daughter, is portrayed by Annie Murphy. She is responsible for delivering one of the series’ most iconic lines: “Ew, David!” The line encapsulates her sibling relationship with David—full of light-hearted annoyance, love and humour. Its meme-worthy popularity in pop culture highlights how Schitt’s Creek used simple, authentic dialogue to resonate with viewers.
Alexis’s language evolves parallel to her character development. Initially, she speaks with a valley-girl accent and often uses filler words such as “literally” and “like.” However, as she focuses on her career, her speech reflects her newfound independence. She retains her charm but gains depth and purpose, showing her growth from a privileged princess to an empowered entrepreneur.
Schitt’s Creek is more than just a sitcom about a family adjusting to life in a small town; it’s a masterclass in character development, wit and humour. The Rose family’s eccentric personalities, unique ways of speaking and emotional growth resonate deeply with audiences. From Johnny’s steady pragmatism to Moira’s sesquipedalian flair, David’s sarcastic wit and Alexis’s journey of self-discovery, each character brings something special to the table.
The show also introduced many memorable catchphrases, such as “Ew, David!,” “Bébé” and “fold in the cheese.” Its ability to blend heartfelt storytelling with laugh-out-loud moments has made it a cultural phenomenon, cementing its place in both television history and meme culture.
What’s your favourite catchphrase or line from Schitt’s Creek, and how has it made its way into your everyday vocabulary? Comment down below.
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