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The 2000 live-action adaptation of Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas is notoriously recognized as one of the most popular versions of the Christmas tale. Furthermore, Jim Carrey’s iconic performance as the titular Grinch helps to further establish the film as a bonafide classic. The plot follows the Grinch, a recluse green creature who hates Christmas and the Christmas-loving residents of Whoville. Each year, families snuggle up to the television set whenever the popular movie is included in a lineup of fellow holiday favorites. As such, the movie contains memorable quotable gems, most of which are echoed from the mouth of the miserable Grinch himself. Let’s take a look at the 10 funniest quotes from How The Grinch Stole Christmas.
10) It’s Because I’m Green, Isn’t It?
After the Grinch creates chaos in Whoville, he eagerly searches for a taxi to take him home. As one rapidly approaches, the Grinch sticks his thumb out to signal for a ride. However, the taxi driver simply speeds off without stopping. The Grinch pauses before asking, “It’s because I’m green, isn’t it?!” Many fans believe this is a reference to the Grinch being the same color as “go” in a traffic light. As such, the memorable quote often gets many laughs.
9) Nice Kid. Bad Judge Of Character
In an iconic scene, Cindy Lou Who encounters the Grinch, who she believes to be Santa Claus. Unbeknownst to her, the Grinch is there to steal her family’s Christmas presents. Before she leaves, she utters several kind things about the Grinch. The Grinch expresses that she’s a nice kid, but that trusting him makes her a horrible judge of character. Thus, he steals her things anyway. This remains one of the funniest quotes by the Grinch.
8) Holiday Who-Be What-Ee?
In the memorable scene, Cindy Lou Who travels to the Grinch’s home to invite him to be Whoville’s Holiday Cheermeister. However, the Grinch has absolutely no idea what she’s talking about. As such, he echoes the infamous quote. Cindy simply giggles and repeats herself, handing over an official invitation in the process. It remains one of the funniest How The Grinch Stole Christmas quotes.
7) Oh, The Who-Manity
During the iconic Cheermeister scene, the Grinch causes unbearable mayhem. These devilish antics include giving the Mayor a buzzcut and setting fire to the tree in the center of Whoville. With the residents of Whoville in an absolute panic, the Grinch simply enjoys the destruction. As the leaves burn to a crisp, the Grinch shouts: “Oh, the Who-manity!” As such, it holds as one of the funniest (and most clever) How The Grinch Stole Christmas quotes.
6) Somebody’s Fabulous!
Fans of the iconic Christmas movie can’t ever forget this humorous quote. In the same Cheermeister scene as mentioned, the Grinch famously shaves off a part of the Mayor’s beloved hair. Horrified, the Mayor is frozen by the unexpected behavior of the Grinch. On the other hand, the Grinch finds the entire encounter completely hilarious. As such, he happily shouts out: “Somebody’s Fabulous!” The quote is a reference to the Mayor’s sudden bald patch, and makes for a truly funny scene.
5) Stupid. Ugly. Out Of Date. If I Can’t Find Something Nice To Wear I’m Not Going
After the Grinch graciously accepts an invitation to the Holiday Cheermeister, he must decide what to wear. The Grinch proceeds to model a few outfits, including a kilt. However, he shows an obvious distaste for most of the selections. As such, he tosses a plethora of clothes around while uttering insulting phrases. In the meantime, his dog, Max, simply looks on. Finally, the Grinch steals the outfit of a yodeler. He models the outfit before saying: “That’s it, I’m not going!” Not only is it a hilarious scene, but it’s highly relatable.
4) What Is That Stench? It’s Fantastic
True Grinch fans know that the miserable green creature enjoys a good dumpster dive. After all, that would explain why many residents of Whoville find him to be smelly and mean. Happily, the Grinch waits in the dumping area for bags of trash to travel down the chute. As a huge red bag shoots out, the Grinch takes it in his hands. Once he catches a whiff of the aroma, he exclaims: “What is that stench?” The Grinch then smiles and finishes his thought with: “It’s fantastic!”
3) Hate, Hate, Hate. Double Hate. Loathe Entirely
It’s impossible to forget the Grinch’s strong dislike for the residents of Whoville. While they prepare for Christmas by baking cookies and buying gifts, the Grinch only thinks about his hatred. As he stands atop the mountain overlooking Whoville, the Grinch reads from Whoville’s book of citizens. One by one, the Grinch expresses his dislike by reading various names out loud. As such, he points out a series of names and exclaims: “Hate, hate, hate. Double hate. Loathe entirely!” It’s an insanely funny scene that fans still quote to this very day.
2) 6:30, Dinner With Me. I Can’t Cancel That Again
In one of the funniest scenes in the entire film, the Grinch happily goes over his daily schedule. Contrary to belief, his schedule remains quite busy. As such, the Grinch carefully lists his plans. These include: wallow in self-pity; 4:30, stare into the abyss; 5:00, solve world hunger, tell no one. He also comes across a scheduled time of having dinner with himself, to which he says: “I can’t cancel that again.” Many holiday fans know that the Grinch is an unapologetic loner. As such, he looks forward to quality time on his lonesome. Therefore, this makes for one of the funniest — and most relatable — How the Grinch Stole Christmas quotes.
1) Help Me…I’m FEELING
Funniest quotes aside, the Grinch undergoes an important character development throughout the movie. While he initially hates the people of Whoville and Christmas, his close bond with Cindy Lou Who finally alters his perspective. As such, the Grinch feels perplexed when he actually “feels” happiness and compassion for others. Therefore, the Grinch finally celebrates Christmas with the rest of Whoville, but not before providing one of the funniest quotes in the movie as he clutches his chest in response to his sudden wave of emotions.
