“Star Trek” has been a part of popular culture for nearly 50 years now, so it was inevitable that many of the popular lines from the show would work their way into our vernacular. Most of us know a “Star Trek” catchphrase or two, but working them into casual conversation can be a bit of a challenge. That’s where our handy guide comes in! Read on for six classic “Star Trek” lines and how to use them…
Catchphrase #1: “Make it so!”
Who Said It/What It Means: This curt three-word phrase was Captain Jean-Luc Picard’s standard way of issuing an order, often immediately followed by a sexy sip of earl grey tea.
How To Use It In Real Life: Every time you would normally say, “Yes.” Example:
Barista: Would you like cream in your coffee?
You: MAKE IT SO.
Catchphrase #2: “Live long and prosper.”
Who Said It/What It Means: This is the phrase associated with the Vulcan salute hand gesture, most famously used by Commander Spock. It’s a traditional Vulcan way to convey good wishes.
How To Use It In Real Life: Vulcans use this saying as both as a greeting and a farewell, but there are so many ways to work this lovely sentiment into your everyday conversations. Sub it out for the traditional “have a nice day,” sign off your emails with it, or try it in its hip text form, “LLAP.” Example:
Friend: TTYL
You: LLAP 🙂
Catchphrase #3: “Resistance is futile.”
Who Said It/What It Means: This is Borg-speak for “You don’t stand a goddamn chance,” and to put it simply: Borg don’t fuck around.
How To Use It In Real Life: As awful as it is to hear this phrase from the Borg, it’s actually a pretty awesome line when you need to get your point across. Use it to shut down naysayers of your new proposal at a work meeting, persuade a friend to join Twitter, or convince your crush to go on a date with you. Example:
Cable Provider: I’m sorry, but that upgrade is not part of your package.
You: Resistance is futile!
Cable Provider: Well, maybe I could bend the rules just this once.
Catchphrase #4: “Set phasers to stun.”
Who Said It/What It Means: Pretty much everyone (well, at least the good guys) who has ever carried a phaser with the intention of temporarily incapacitating the enemy rather than killing them has used this handy phrase.
How To Use It In Real Life: Whenever something stops you in your tracks or shocks you. Example: “I saw the hottest guy in the elevator today. It was like, daaaaamn, set phasers to stun!”
Catchphrase #5: “Beam me up, Scotty!”
Who Said It/What It Means: Captain Kirk actually never said this exact phrase (seriously!), but it comes from his frequent requests to be transported back to the Starship Enterprise from whatever strange land he was exploring. “Scotty” is the name of his chief engineer, Montgomery Scott.
How To Use It In Real Life: As an alternate way to say “I’m on board,” or “Count me in.” Example:
Friend: Do you want to go to the Solange concert this Saturday?
You: Obviously! Beam me up, Scotty!
Catchphrase #6: “Hailing on all frequencies!”
Who Said It/What It Means: Chief Communications Officer Uhura used this line when attempting to send out messages, AKA hails, to other starships or space stations. Hailing on all frequencies indicated an across-the-board effort to reach the message receiver, no matter what frequency they were on.
How To Use It In Real Life: This phrase is so perfect for the digital age we live in, because it sums up the exasperating experience of trying to get in touch with someone via phone, text, Facebook, email, Twitter (and often getting no response!). Example: “I’ve been hailing him on all frequencies, but I haven’t heard a peep!”
Original by Winona Dimeo-Ediger
