Ferris Bueller's Day Off Quotes

Context

This line was spoken by Economics Teacher (played by Ben Stein) in Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986), directed by John Hughes.

Think of the most boring teacher you've ever had. Their voice sounded like sawdust mixed with nails on a chalkboard, and it seemed like they were lecturing in Latin or Ancient Sumerian. (This was a painful sentence to write.) Well, the unnamed Economic Teacher in Ferris Bueller's has probably got 'em beat.

Ferris Bueller's Day Off is all about the main character seizing the day and going to art museums and marching in parades instead of being stuck at boring ol' school. This painfully awkward call for attendance (ahem, Bueller's "sick") only gets worse when the class is treated to a monotone barrage of facts and figures about the Smoot-Hawley Tariff from a teacher who doesn't even get a name. Not even an IV full of Monster could wake that snoozing econ class.

This infamous line—and lecture—was actually improvised by Ben Stein, who was lecturing to the student actors off-screen. They were clapping pretty loud so he decided to use the material in the movie.

Sadly, they were applauding how boring he was. Poor guy!

Where you've heard it

This quote is the last ditch effort of a struggling teacher, who has to resort to '80s movie references to shock their class into participating or staying awake. It can also be used on anyone who's zoning out during a conversation. Coffee helps, too.

Have you sat up late at night and wondered who the coolest Ferris Bueller is? This Wired piece has got you covered.

Pretentious Factor

If you were to drop this quote at a dinner party, would you get an in-unison "awww" or would everyone roll their eyes and never invite you back? Here it is, on a scale of 1-10.

This quote's a solid, non-shouting way to get someone to pay attention to you.