Context

This line is spoken by Ferris Bueller in the movie Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986).

This quote is more or less the anthem of '80s teen comedies. Decades and decades later, it sounds a little trite, but back in '86? Revolutionary.

Ferris Bueller is a charming slacker who makes everyone else's life—his principal's, his best friend's, his sister's—a living you know what. And while they're all stressing their pretty little heads over everything, Ferris is playing the chill guy role and telling us all to just relax.

This is one of the first thing Ferris says to the audience while breaking the fourth wall, and it's basically just a teenage boy's way of telling us to stop and smell the roses.

Where you've heard it

Anyone who's nostalgic for the 80s might use this line when they want you to calm down—or when they want to prove they know their John Hughes quotes.

You've probably also seen this puppy on inspirational posters, tattoos, and anywhere else people emblazon motivational messages.

Hey, what can we say? It's a classic.

Pretentious Factor

If you were to drop this quote at a dinner party, would you get an in-unison "awww" or would everyone roll their eyes and never invite you back? Here it is, on a scale of 1-10.

We're not sure if pretentious is the right word, but it can be a little condescending to pull this on someone. Ferris got away with it, but unless you've got the jacket to match, you might want to hold your tongue.