"Wubba Lubba dub-dub" is Rick's iconic catchphrase, frequently used in Season 1, and initially seems to be an expression of Rick's happiness or humor. However, as Birdperson later explains, in the Bird People's native language, it translates to: "I am in great pain, please help me." This indicates that the phrase holds a deeper and more emotional meaning for Rick.
Biography[]
Near the end of the episode Meeseeks and Destroy, Rick first invented his catchphrase, using it when he made a joke about the Meeseeks Box. Rick said that his catchphrase was based on Arsenio's catchphrase, which he used on his show.
In the episode Raising Gazorpazorp, Rick returned that catchphrase and made it a recurring thing.
In the episode Ricksy Business, Rick used the catchphrase multiple times, and Birdperson explains to Morty that it in his language it means "I am in great pain, please help me." to which Morty responds with "I got news for you he's saying it ironically." At the end of the episode, Rick replaced his catchphrase with "I don't give a FUUUUUCK!!!"
He stopped using the phrase since then. In Season 2, the episode Total Rickall has a flashback of Rick using it, and Tiny Rick says the variation "wubby lubby doob doob".
The only time he has used it again was in Rickmurai Jack, when he returned to the Smith Residence after he was dumped by the crows, and Morty had tricked him into believing he had been gone for 26 years.
In Night Family, Morty points out that the fans of he and Rick's podcast want him to say the catchphrase at the end.
Episode Appearances[]
Season 1[]
- "Meeseeks and Destroy"
- "Raising Gazorpazorp"
- "Something Ricked This Way Comes"
- "Close Rick-counters of the Rick Kind"
- "Ricksy Business"
Season 2[]
- "Total Rickall"
- "Big Trouble in Little Sanchez" (Wubby Lubby Doob Doob)
Season 5[]
Season 6[]
Trivia[]
- The term is used as a Google Easter Egg. Searching "Wubba Lubba Dub Dub", will give you the result, "Did you mean: I am in great pain. Please help me?".
- When saying the term using a Google Assistant, it responds with "Are you in pain? How can I help?", "Sorry, I don't speak Birdperson" or "Morty, let's get Schwifty".
- Seeing how Tiny Rick tried warning Morty and Summer about his situation, "Wubby lubby doob doob" could be Bird person's language for "My life is a lie" or a similar phrase.