The Truth Behind "Totally Tubular": Debunking the TOMT Quote Myth
The phrase "Totally Tubular" is synonymous with 80s slang, conjuring images of radical dudes, gnarly waves, and neon everything. But a persistent myth circulates online – the claim that this quintessential catchphrase originated in a specific, yet unidentifiable, movie or TV show. This often surfaces on "This Old Movie" (TOMT) threads, fueling endless speculation and frustrating searches. Let's dive into the truth behind this enduring mystery and finally lay this persistent rumor to rest.
The Problem with the "Totally Tubular" TOMT Quest:
The core issue is that the phrase wasn't invented in a single, definitive moment. Unlike some memorable movie lines, "Totally Tubular" wasn't the brainchild of a single screenwriter or uttered by a specific iconic character. Instead, its genesis is a product of the 1980s surf and skate culture itself—a grassroots evolution of slang rather than a top-down creation.
Where Did "Totally Tubular" Really Come From?
The term "tubular" meaning "excellent" or "cool" predates the 80s, finding its roots in surfing slang. The word's association with a cylindrical shape—a tube of a wave—metaphorically represented the thrilling, awesome experience of riding such a wave. The addition of "totally" as an intensifier simply amplified the already-established meaning.
Think of it like this: "Awesome" wasn't invented in one place at one time. It evolved organically through language use. Similarly, "Totally Tubular" wasn't a singular creation, but rather a natural progression within a specific subculture. Its widespread adoption in the 80s was fueled by media exposure in movies, television shows, and music, reflecting rather than creating the already prevalent slang.
Why the Persistent TOMT Myth?
The enduring mystery likely stems from several factors:
- Nostalgia: The 80s hold a powerful nostalgic grip on many, fostering a desire to pinpoint the origin of beloved cultural touchstones.
- The Illusion of a Single Source: Our brains often seek a clear, singular origin story, even when the reality is more complex and organically developed.
- Confirmation Bias: Once a particular movie or show is suggested as the source, individuals may subconsciously focus on instances of the phrase in that context, reinforcing the false belief.
So, No Single Movie or TV Show?
To be unequivocally clear: There's no evidence supporting the claim that "Totally Tubular" originated in a single, easily identifiable movie or TV show. Its widespread usage was a reflection of its natural emergence within the 80s youth culture. While it might appear in many 80s films and shows, these instances demonstrate its established popularity, not its invention.
What About Similar Phrases in Other Media?
While "Totally Tubular" isn't pinpointed to one source, many similar phrases ("radical," "gnarly," "awesome") emerged around the same time and in a similar cultural context. These terms similarly lack single, definitive origins, highlighting the organic nature of slang development.
Conclusion: Embracing the Organic Evolution of Slang
The search for the definitive origin of "Totally Tubular" is a fun nostalgic quest, but ultimately fruitless. The beauty of the phrase lies not in its precise birthplace but in its ability to capture the essence of a bygone era. It's a testament to the organic evolution of slang and the power of cultural trends to shape language. Let's celebrate "Totally Tubular" for what it is—a vibrant artifact of 80s culture—rather than pursuing a mythical origin that doesn't exist.
