DID YOU SAY "UTES" PART ONE
HELMET HUT NEWS/REFLECTIONS November 2013:
DID YOU SAY "UTES" PART ONE
By Dr. Ken
There are certain phrases that instantly allow individuals, either well acquainted or who have never before met, to relate to each other. Many come from popular movies and even those who are not cinema buffs “get it” when they hear specific lines uttered by others, perhaps bringing a knowing smile of recognition, or a following line in response, from the same movie or song. Each generation has had their “signature lines” with many having achieved iconic status through the decades. Rhett Butler’s “Frankly my dear, I don’t give a damn” from 1939’s Gone With The Wind to The Godfather’s “I’m going to make him an offer he can’t refuse” to Dirty Harry’s “Go ahead, make my day” are familiar to the public of all ages it seems. For those of later generations, Arnold’s (no last name needed) “I’ll be back” and John Belushi’s “Toga, Toga” have instant recognition but a favorite in many New York City area neighborhoods has always been the exchange between the Judge and attorney in the movie My Cousin Vinny because it truly is us! With the underrated but very fine late actor Fred Gwynne as Judge Chamberlain Haller and Joe Pesci as the attorney Vinny, the exchange that led to the comment heard daily in our area, plays out as follows:
Vinny: “Is it possible, the two utes…”
Judge Haller: “The two what? What was that word?”
Vinny: “Uh, what word?”
Judge Haller: “Two what?”
Vinny: “What?”
Judge Haller: “Uh, did you say ‘Utes?’”
Vinny: “Yeah, two utes.”
Judge Haller: “What is a ute?”
Vinny: “Oh excuse me your honor, two youths.”
“Did you say ‘Utes?’” has become a punch line used in many instances but other than those who are ardent college football enthusiasts in the western United States, Utah University football, has rarely caused a stir on a national level. Yet, when one hears “Did you say ‘Utes?’” there are some football related specifics that immediately jump to mind.
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