“Whatcha talkin’ ’bout, Willis?”

From: Diff’rent Strokes

Genre: Television

Who said it?: Arnold Jackson

The story behind the quote: The quote comes from Diff’rent Strokes. The show was a very successful sitcom that ran from 1978 to 1986. In the show, businessman Mr. Drummond takes in two African American kids from Harlem, Willis and Arnold and adopts them. The show follows a classic “fish out of water” scenario wherein Willis (played by Todd Bridges) and Arnold (played by Gary Coleman) as they try to adjust to living in luxury as well as trying to fit in with high society.

The quote is actually the catchphrase of Arnold as he says it multiple times in the show. He doesn’t necessarily always question Willis and he does substitute different people at times. But since he usually questions his older brother, the quote is usually mentioned as such.

Geek wisdom: Sometimes, you just need to get some clarity on a situation. There are times when we say that we understand something even though we really don’t. Whether it be because we don’t like to ask questions or we don’t like to look stupid, it doesn’t, and it shouldn’t matter. Clarify and ask questions while it’s still early.