Friends has remained a favorite sitcom for fans around the world. The ups and downs of family, love, jobs, and of course friendship all play out as the main six friends come together, support each other, and just hang out.
Although they all have their similarities, each character has a well-defined personality, unique to them. While Joey has an obvious unwavering loyalty to his loved ones and Phoebe is full of quirks, Chandler’s most recognized personality trait is his humor and quick wit, lending itself to a plethora of quotes that can be acknowledged as his funniest.
Bagpipe Mayhem
“Why Is Your Family Ross?”
Poor Ross wants to try his best for Monica and Chandler’s wedding and make a statement of his love for the pair. Unfortunately, he chooses to play bagpipes (unintentionally) terribly, because Chandler has Scottish relatives.
Upon finding this out, Monica flippantly asks Chandler why his family are Scottish. But of course, Chandler is able to one up her with the throw-back comment “why is your family Ross?” He immediately (and hilariously) flips the blame back to Monica. Even when people think they have a good point to make, it’s almost a guarantee Chandler will come back with something better and funnier.
Eyebrow Catastrophe
“It’s Like A Baby Caterpillar Chasing Its Mama!”
Joey makes the mistake of getting his eyebrows waxed, which turns out to be a botched job. Even worse, he only got one done. He turned to his friend for help, but initially, Chandler was the wrong choice if he was looking to feel better about the situation.
Chandler does eventually help him out, but his initial reaction was to compare Joey’s wonky brows to that of 2 caterpillars. Even though he can sometimes kick people when they’re down, he does it in such a funny way that his comments are usually excused.
Near Miss
“It’s An Electric Drill! You Get Me You Kill Me!”
For Chandler, having Joey as a roommate didn’t always prove to be the easiest living situation. After turning his hand to DIY, Joey drills through a wall, nearly hitting Chandler with the tool in the process.
Joey’s naively innocent question of “did I get you?” receives a prompt and direct response from Chandler, who had learned that the best way to get through to Joey is with a clear statement. It may have been a frightening moment for him, but Chandler’s line which is intertwined with his own disbelief for Joey’s clumsiness only makes for a hearty laugh from the audience.
Young Love
“Until The Age Of 25, I Thought The Only Response To ‘I Love You’ Was ‘Oh Crap.'”
As one of Friends’ best characters, Chandler’s comedy can be brutal, but isn’t always aimed at others. He is never too far from a self-deprecating comment and knows that there are parts of his life that may be amusing. Namely, his love life.
Although it’s a sad revelation that he’d never had a good reaction to saying ‘I love you,’ he knows it to be something that others would find funny. His delivery allows for a laugh from the audience instead of it being an awkward pitiful moment. He may make jokes at other people’s expense, but the fact that he’s also able to do it about himself is a redeeming quality for the character.
Pivoting Gets Too Much
“Shut Up, Shut Up, Shut Up!”
Quotes don’t always have to be clever or in great depth to be known as one of the funniest. On occasion, the delivery of a simple phrase is what makes the moment hilarious. Whilst carrying Ross’ sofa upstairs, he relentlessly tells Chandler and Rachel to pivot. Eventually, it gets too much for Chandler, who demands he stops talking.
What makes this quote so funny is Chandler’s mocking voice, proving how ridiculous Ross sounds. To look at, the three characters standing on a stairwell with a sofa is humorous in itself, but adding Chandler’s anger combined with a child-like impersonation only increases the comedy.
Honest Help
“I’m Not Great At The Advice. Can I Interest You In A Sarcastic Comment?”
Chandler fits in well with his friendship group. There’s a place for him in all five of their lives, providing them with humor when all else seems to fail. However, he isn’t so great at giving advice and knows it.
In his quote, he’s merely stating facts, but he chooses to do so in a lighthearted way. He’s not trying to ignore his friend’s need for help but he can’t give them exactly what they might want. His only other option is a sarcastic comment, which viewers know is his usual port of call and is always funny.
Sarcastic Advice
“You Have To Stop The Q-Tip When There’s Resistance.”
In most friendships, there are occasions where personalities clash and frustration arises. Although he never means to cause an issue, Joey can often bring out this emotion in Chandler, but it only results in a hilarious line from him.
After Joey goes round in circles with his story, it becomes a little much for Chandler. Instead of calling him stupid outright, he uses a witty phrase that implies the same meaning but provides one of the funniest, most iconic lines in Friends. He may once again be arguing his friend’s intelligence, but the comedy value is worth it.
Incorrect Names
“It’s Actually Miss Chanandler Bong.”
“The One With The Embryos” is recognized as one of the best Friends episodes, partly because of the quiz the friends have between each other in a bid to live in Monica’s apartment. One of the revelations that comes from the game is the name which is written on Chandler’s TV guide.
Not only does Chandler not hide away from the strange name he’s been given, but he even goes one step further to add the title “Miss,” making the discovery even funnier. The fact that he’s never bothered to get the name changed is a great example of how he doesn’t take himself too seriously, especially if it means it’ll give everyone else a good laugh.
Wedding Preparations
“I’m Glad We’re Having A Rehearsal Dinner. I Rarely Practice My Meals Before I Eat.”
There’s definitely a time and place for jokes to be made, but sometimes the wrong time and place makes it even funnier. Any rehearsal dinner can be filled with anxiety or pressure and the bride and groom probably aren’t wanting to hear ridiculous jokes. That doesn’t stop Chandler.
This quote is so typical of him because he does read the room but chooses to go against what might be a good thing to say. Luckily for the audience, Chandler’s daring attitude is uproariously funny and only ever enhances the scene.
Rest Days
“It’s A Sunday. I Don’t Move On Sundays.”
One of Monica’s glaringly obvious traits is her dedicated, competitive nature. Once she sets her mind to something, it’s certain that she will go after it, even if that’s helping Chandler to get fitter.
Unfortunately for her, Chandler isn’t quite as committed to the cause and decides to tell Monica that his weekly schedule means he does not move on a Sunday. Of course, he could waver from his usual plans, but it’s a hilarious excuse to get out of doing the exercise Monica has planned for him, with the comedy emphasizing his wish to stay home.
