The phrase "Totally Tubular" instantly evokes the vibrant, carefree energy of 1980s pop culture. But pinning down its precise origin and associating it with a specific person or movie proves surprisingly tricky. This article delves into the mystery surrounding this iconic slang, exploring its origins, its connection to the TV show "Totally Tubular," and addressing common misattributions. We'll also tackle the "They'll never know" aspect—a frequent companion in discussions about the quote.
What Does "Totally Tubular" Mean?
Before we unravel the mystery of its origin, let's define "Totally Tubular." It's a quintessential example of 1980s slang, signifying something excellent, cool, or awesome. The word "tubular" itself, describing something cylindrical or tube-shaped, was repurposed to express approval and excitement, mirroring similar slang evolutions like "rad" or "gnarly."
The "Totally Tubular" TV Show Myth
Many mistakenly believe the phrase originated from a TV show called "Totally Tubular." While a show with a similar title might exist in some form, there's no widely recognized, mainstream television program responsible for popularizing the phrase. This misconception highlights the power of association—the phrase sounds like it could belong to a show of that name, reinforcing the idea in popular memory.
So, Who Did Say "Totally Tubular"?
The truth is, "Totally Tubular" didn't emerge from a single source. It was a product of the zeitgeist, a slang term that organically developed and spread through word-of-mouth, movies, and television in the mid-to-late 1980s. It wasn't a quote uttered by a specific character in a pivotal scene; rather, it was a colloquialism adopted and embraced by a generation.
Tracing its Linguistic Roots: Where Did "Totally Tubular" Come From?
The exact origins remain obscure, lost in the vibrant tapestry of 1980s youth culture. However, its use likely evolved gradually, building on the existing slang vocabulary of the era. Its construction, using the intensifier "totally" alongside "tubular," exemplifies the informal and playful nature of the decade's linguistic landscape. Linguistic researchers suggest that such phrases often emerge organically within social groups and spread through diffusion.
Was "Totally Tubular" Used in Popular Movies of the 80s?
While no specific movie can be definitively credited with launching "Totally Tubular" into the mainstream, its spirit undoubtedly resonated with the movies of the era. Many films depicting teenage life in the 80s – think John Hughes classics – subtly reflected the slang and attitudes of the time, even if the exact phrase wasn't explicitly used in a memorable line.
They'll Never Know... (Addressing the TOMT aspect)
The "They'll never know" element often associated with this question typically reflects the frustration of trying to pinpoint a specific source for a culturally pervasive phrase. The widespread use of "Totally Tubular" makes identifying a single point of origin near impossible, making it the epitome of a cultural phenomenon that transcended any single movie or TV show.
Conclusion: Embracing the Mystery of "Totally Tubular"
The mystery of "Totally Tubular's" origin persists, and that's precisely what makes it so fascinating. It's a testament to the power of collective slang creation, where a phrase becomes iconic not through a single utterance but through its widespread adoption and association with a vibrant cultural moment. Instead of searching for a definitive answer, let's celebrate this iconic phrase as a symbol of the 1980s—a time of bold fashion, energetic music, and unforgettable slang.
