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.