Seriously, Grey's Anatomy Leaves McMark
You know a show has become a hit when it starts leaving a mark -- however small -- on contemporary culture.
The characters on Grey's Anatomy are known for their witty banter, and a couple of their catch-phrases have become a part of the American lexicon. Beginning very early in the first season, a "McLabeling" trend.
The first reference was, obviously, to Derek "McDreamy" Shepherd. Smitten with Derek from day one, Dr. Meredith Grey used the term to convey that he was, in her estimation, the quintessential heartthrob.
As the clever phrase caught on with audiences and cast members alike, other characters (and pets, and inanimate objects) began being McLabeled.
Derek's former best friend, Dr. Mark Sloan, was nicknamed "McSteamy" by the interns when he visited Seattle Grace. In addition to his handsomeness, Sloan was also Addison Shepherd's infamous former lover, contributing greatly to his McSteaminess -- and the "McVomit" George was about to choke down if forced to listen to his counterparts gush over Sloan any longer.
When Addison (who is "McHot" herself, according to normally macho intern Alex Karev) and Derek decided to reconcile, Meredith lamented losing her "McLife" and adopted a shaggy "McDog" to help herself cope. When her canine companion fell ill, he was treated by Finn Dandridge, who promptly became known as "McVet."
Additionally, the characters often overuse "seriously" both at the start and the end of sentences, making their questions or statements more emphatic.
Creator and executive producer Shonda Rhimes says that Krista Vernoff, one of the show's top writers, used the saying all the time, and it quickly grew contagious, spreading to the cast and permeating its dialogue.
What do the writers have in store for us next season? We can only wait and see, but chances are that these and other amusing trends will surface.
Steve Marsi is the Managing Editor of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Google+ or email him here.
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November 7th, 2008 1:32 PM
serendipity bisecting!revolt operandi.uninteresting doorstep
October 5th, 2008 10:26 PM
flossed aggravates Vernon hesitantly bellboy topology familiarness
December 19th, 2006 4:28 PM
Well, I haven't started with the McLabelling yet, although I probably will in due course, and I say seriously quite a lot anyway. That's probably just because I'm British - goes along with the drinking tea, I suppose.
However, I do have a boss who now, thanks to me, has successfully received the nickname 'The Nazi'. She could give Dr Bailey a run for her money! Seriously!
July 21st, 2006 2:45 AM
hey awesome :)
yay there's another 1 even through i will hav 2 wait longer then u guys cause i live in nz :(
yea........
July 6th, 2006 11:41 AM
Seriously!!They Should Bring Back McDenny B//c He Is So McSexxy..SERIOUSLY!!!
July 6th, 2006 9:58 AM
Just last night my kids were fighting in the elevator...over who would push the button. I mean, trying to literally take the other DOWN.
Me: "Seriously? SERIOUSLY?!?!
July 6th, 2006 9:42 AM
I never use those words. Seriously. and by the way, it is McSeptember yet????????????????????
July 2nd, 2006 5:25 PM
Seriously... is it September yet?
June 30th, 2006 10:41 AM
lol seriously! i mean u just can't help saying it - its so catchy... i like use it all the time now... & i use the "Mc" thing, too lol. & yea, there's also the "va-jay jay" & the "good girl" & im sure there's others... i guess when u become addicted to the show u just kinda start using their lingo along with it lol. seriously.
June 29th, 2006 10:07 PM
Vajayjay! Yeah that's another one! I'm a CNA (certified nurses aide) and one of my residents said her vagina hurt I almost told the nurse that the resident's vajayjay hurt! I caught myself though.