“Bald-faced liar” isn’t a group of words you hear often these days, but it’s just one of the many memorable turns of phrase that have appeared as Stranger Things quotes. The Netflix series arrived in July and swept many of us into the Upside Down. If there were a fan club, I think about everyone at Nerdist would be a card-carrying member (and you know that membership card would look retro and cool as hell). The setting, the mythology, the weirdness, the characters, the dialogue—so many factors made the show shine. Let’s highlight some of the lines from the series that are ideal for everyday conversation. And yes, you can thank Dustin for more than a couple of them.
1. “Mornings are for coffee and contemplation.”
Chief Hopper knows what’s up. When you just stroll into work or sit down at your desk at home in the morning, the last thing you want is to be assaulted with the needs of others. I wish I worked in an office so I could use this quote on a regular basis.
2. “You shouldn’t like things because people tell you you’re supposed to.”
The quiet Jonathan Byers gave wise advice to Will–advice most of us could stand to hear. Don’t like things because someone wants you to and certainly not if they tell you to. What if you pretend to like gardening and someone buys you a lifetime supply of seeds? No one wants that. Be honest and stick to your guns.
3. “Lando!”
When you sense someone has played you and is a betrayer, you only need to yell one word: “Lando!” Dustin used the shorthand for Lando Calrissian because of the whole Cloud City inviting Vader to dinner and not telling Han thing in The Empire Strikes Back, and he went back to the well again and again. Keep this one in your pocket next time someone double-crosses you.
4. “Friends don’t lie.”
Growing up as she did, Eleven had a difficult time grasping the concept of friendship. She learned from being around Mike, Lucas, and Dustin and reminded them about an important aspect of being pals. Use this with your friends if you suspect they’re not being upfront. Note: You do not have to go so far as to have blood coming out of your nose when you repeat this quote.
5. “If anyone asks where I am, I’ve left the country.”
Trying to keep your whereabouts up in the air? Mike has a resourceful and improbable answer. Since no one will actually believe you’ve left the country, only use this quote to make a point when you don’t want to be bothered.
6. “Sometimes, your total obliviousness just blows my mind.”
If I had to choose a quote from Stranger Things that would apply to several posts and comments I see around the internet, it would be this one from Dustin. I shake my head and think something along this line every single day. Maybe I should just start sending this image to people.
7. “I’m stealthy, like a ninja.”
When someone doubts your ability to sneak into an event late or to pop into a party and look as if you’ve been there since the beginning, pull out this Steve Harrington quote. He’s not the first person in history to utter these words, but he is the first person in Stranger Things to say them.
8. “I don’t care if anyone believes me.”
Convinced you saw a ghost, alien, mythological creature, or a Trader Joe’s with a massive parking lot? Tell your friends, but if they raise a skeptical brow, go all Joyce Byers on them and keep the faith.
9. “Why are you keeping this curiosity door locked?”
Friends don’t lie, and they shouldn’t keep secrets from each other either. If someone isn’t giving you all the information available–like, you can tell they’re holding back–lay this perfect Dustin quote on them. At the very least, it will throw them off their game.
Which quotes would you add to the list? Share them with me in the comments or hit up @nerdist on Twitter.
Images: Netflix, Tumblr, Nerd Dreamer, WeHeartIt, Stranger Things Daily, Francesca, Keeayra, Syrius Black
