It's That Man Again - Catchphrases

Catchphrases

ITMA is remembered for a number of catchphrases, some of which entered popular vocabulary.

• "Don't forget the diver" – spoken by Horace Percival upon entrance and exit as a diver. This became a very popular catchphrase in Britain during World War II

This catchphrase was apparently inspired by a diver who solicited pennies on pier from seaside crowds, saying "Don't forget the diver sir. Every penny makes the water warmer".

• "I'm going down now sir" – Another diver catchphrase, which became widely used in descending lifts during the era of ITMA popularity.
• "This is Funf speaking" – German spy, spoken by Jack Train. This became a popular telephone catchphrase.
• "I don't mind if I do" – Colonel Humphrey Chinstrap's catchphrase, spoken by Jack Train, turning any remark into an offer of a drink. The origin of this catchphrase precedes ITMA, but was nevertheless popularised by ITMA.
• "Can I do you now, Sir?" – Spoken by Dorothy Summers as Mrs Mopp the office char.
• "I go, I come back" – Middle Eastern vendor, Ali Oop. Spoken by Jack Train.
• "It's being so cheerful as keeps me going" – Mona Lott, a depressed laundry-woman played by Joan Harben.
• "Good morning, nice day" – commercial traveller about to offer some sales line.
• "After you, Claude – no, After you Cecil" – Moving men spoken by Jack Train and Horace Percival This phrase became used by RAF pilots as they queued for attack.
• "I'll have to ask me Dad" – Mark Time (an elderly ditherer). This "was a political phrase introduced into ITMA when post-war reconstruction was looming. It was spoken by a Jack Train character, Mark Time, who responded to all questions with this phrase.
• "But I'm all right now" – Hattie Jacques' character Sophie Tuckshop, after describing a long list of food she had eaten.
• "TTFN (Ta ta for now)" – Spoken by Dorothy Summers' character, Mrs Mopp.