Uncovering the Surprising Origins of That ‘70s Show's Iconic Catchphrase

Summary

Red Forman wasn't the first character to say his iconic catchphrase "dumbass" in That '70s Show; it was actually his son Eric.

In Season 1, Episode 5, Eric humorously labels his boss as a "dumbass" while at Fatso Burger, thus coining the term. This initial usage of Red's catchphrase in the series serves to underscore the similarities between Eric and his father, which are further emphasized in the later episode, That '90s Show.

Red Forman's catchphrases in That '70s Show, though occasionally spoken by other characters, were not originated by him. Many characters in the show, such as Fez and Kelso, have their own memorable catchphrases. However, the most notable catchphrases come from Red Forman, portrayed by Kurtwood Smith. His frequent sayings, particularly his threat to physically harm someone, have even made their way into the spinoff series That '90s Show, whether spoken by Red himself or another member of the Forman family.

Red primarily uses his catchphrases to describe his son Eric and the group of teenagers who used to hang out in his basement during the 1970s. One of his most memorable catchphrases is the word "dumbass," or a similar variant, which he uses throughout That '70s Show. When his 15-year-old granddaughter Leia Forman moves in with him during the summer of 1995, Red passes on this insult to the next generation of Point Place teens, as Eric's daughter and her friends become the target of his verbal jabs. However, despite the iconic status of Red's "dumbass" catchphrase in both That '70s Show and That '90s Show, it is not Red who says the word for the first time in the series.

Eric Is The First Character To Say "Dumbass" In That '70s Show, Not Red

Red's son Eric Forman was the very first character to say "dumbass" in That '70s Show. This is ironic considering how often Red later directs the word at him. The word is first used in the show's first season, in episode 5 titled "Eric's Burger Job." It surprisingly has nothing to do with Red. Eric says it to his boss Ricky after being asked about his mopping duty. He responds by saying he's happy to be part of the Fatso Burger family, but adds "You dumbass" after Ricky walks away.

Red says the word for the first time four episodes later in a season 1 episode called "Thanksgiving." After Donna finds out that Eric kissed Laurie's friend from college, Red confronts Eric and asks why he would do that to her. Eric suggests it happens because he has bad luck, to which Red replies, "The reason bad things happen to you is because you're a dumbass." The origin of Red's "dumbass" insult is later revealed in a 1950s Halloween flashback in season 2, but it's surprising that Eric is the first character to use the word in the show's chronological episode order.

Eric Saying Red's Catchphrase First Proves How Perfect Their Parallel Is In That '90s Show

Eric's appearance in season 1 of That '90s Show cleverly showcases the similarities between him and his father, Red. As Leia enters her teenage years, Eric starts to adopt Red's ways of speaking. In the initial episode, Red expresses his pride in Eric when he overhears his son threatening to discipline Leia if she doesn't get in the car. This moment signifies a complete cycle, as Eric mirrors his father's behavior. This parallel between father and son was established early on, as Eric was the first character to use the term "dumbass" in That '70s Show.