When you think of holiday movies that just stick with you, there's a pretty good chance "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" pops right into your head. It's a film that, for so many, really captures the wild and sometimes messy side of family gatherings during the festive period. This is a time, you know, when folks often reflect on the true meaning of Christmas, which, as my text reminds us, is an annual festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, a celebration observed by billions around the globe, emphasizing themes of love, peace, and goodwill.

Yet, amidst the twinkling lights and carol singing, there's a character who, arguably, steals every scene he's in: Cousin Eddie. His unique brand of humor and unfiltered remarks have made his lines some of the most memorable parts of the movie, really. So, if you're looking for those classic christmas vacation quotes cousin eddie, you've come to the right spot.

We're going to take a closer look at what makes Cousin Eddie's sayings so enduring, and why they continue to bring smiles and chuckles to people watching the film every year, even today in late 2023. You might be surprised just how many of his lines have become part of our holiday vocabulary, too it's almost a tradition in itself, isn't it?

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Table of Contents

• Who is Cousin Eddie? A Character Profile
• Why Cousin Eddie Quotes Are So Memorable
  • The Shock Value
  • Relatability in the Chaos
  • Pure, Unfiltered Humor
• The Most Iconic Christmas Vacation Quotes from Cousin Eddie
  • "Shitter was full!"
  • "You serious, Clark?"
  • "Save the neck for me, Clark!"
  • The RV Saga and Its Lines
  • "Don't go puttin' ideas in his head, Ellen."
• How Cousin Eddie's Lines Became Holiday Tradition
• Frequently Asked Questions About Cousin Eddie
• Sharing the Laughter

Who is Cousin Eddie? A Character Profile

Cousin Eddie Johnson, a character brought to life by the actor Randy Quaid, is Clark Griswold's wife Ellen's cousin. He's a man who lives life by his own rules, often to the bewilderment and slight horror of those around him. He appears with his family, including his wife Catherine and their kids, unannounced at the Griswold's house for Christmas, causing quite a stir.

His presence, to be honest, really turns the already chaotic holiday preparations into a full-blown comedic disaster. He's known for his distinctive fashion choices, like the short robe and black dickey, and his rather unusual habits. Cousin Eddie, you see, represents a kind of freedom from social norms, which, while shocking, is also quite funny to watch from a distance.

Here's a quick look at some details about this unforgettable character:

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Why Cousin Eddie Quotes Are So Memorable

So, what makes Cousin Eddie's lines stick with us year after year? It's not just the words themselves, but the way they're delivered and the situations they arise from. He's a character who just says what's on his mind, without any filter, which is a bit refreshing, isn't it, especially in a movie about the often-stressful holiday season.

The Shock Value

A lot of Eddie's most famous quotes come from moments that completely catch the other characters, and us as viewers, off guard. His remarks are usually quite unexpected, breaking through the polite, sometimes strained, atmosphere of the Griswold Christmas. This element of surprise is a big part of their lasting impact, too, it's almost like a jump scare of humor.

Relatability in the Chaos

While most of us don't have a Cousin Eddie quite like this, many families have that one relative who brings a certain level of delightful chaos to holiday gatherings. Eddie's quotes, in a way, give voice to the unspoken thoughts or frustrations that might bubble up during a family Christmas. He just says what others might only think, and that's pretty relatable, actually.

Pure, Unfiltered Humor

Eddie's humor is raw and unpolished. There's no pretense, no hidden meaning. He's just being himself, and that honesty, however outlandish, is genuinely funny. His lines are simple, direct, and often hit you with a laugh right away, which is very effective for comedy, you know?

The Most Iconic Christmas Vacation Quotes from Cousin Eddie

Let's get to the good stuff, shall we? Here are some of the lines that have made Cousin Eddie a true legend of holiday cinema. Each one, in its own way, tells a story and brings a smile.

"Shitter was full!"

This is, perhaps, the most famous of all Cousin Eddie's lines. It comes when Clark Griswold looks out his window on Christmas morning to find Eddie emptying his RV's septic tank into the street sewer. The line is delivered with such casualness, such a lack of embarrassment, that it's just pure gold. It's a statement that, apparently, perfectly encapsulates Eddie's disregard for conventional behavior and his practical, if gross, solutions to problems.

The humor here comes from the stark contrast between the traditional, pristine image of Christmas morning and Eddie's rather crude activity. It’s a moment that, you know, perfectly sums up the film's blend of holiday cheer and absolute mayhem. This quote, for many, is the first one that comes to mind when they think of Cousin Eddie, and it's easy to see why. It’s a very bold statement, isn't it?

"You serious, Clark?"

This line is a classic because it shows Eddie's reaction to Clark's often overly optimistic or slightly naive plans. Clark is always trying to create the "perfect" family Christmas, and Eddie's blunt question cuts through that idealism with a dose of reality. It’s usually said with a look of genuine disbelief, which makes it even funnier.

It's a line that, in a way, highlights the different perspectives of the two characters. Clark, who dreams big, and Eddie, who sees things for what they really are, often with a touch of skepticism. This question, you know, really sums up the dynamic between them, doesn't it?

"Save the neck for me, Clark!"

This quote comes during the infamous dry turkey scene. As the family sits down to what should be a grand Christmas dinner, the turkey is, well, less than ideal. Eddie's request for the neck, often considered less desirable parts of the bird, just adds another layer of absurdity to the already disastrous meal. It's a small line, but it really speaks volumes about his character.

It shows his simple tastes and his ability to find something to enjoy even in a less-than-perfect situation. This line, basically, is a subtle jab at the whole idea of a perfect holiday feast, and it's pretty funny when you think about it. It’s a very Eddie thing to say, isn't it?

The RV Saga and Its Lines

Eddie's RV is a character in itself, and it brings with it a whole host of memorable lines. From the moment it pulls up, looking like it's seen better decades, to the various incidents involving it, the RV provides a backdrop for much of Eddie's antics. His explanations for its condition, or his plans for its future, are always a source of amusement.

For example, his casual mention of "siphoning gas" or his general disregard for maintenance contributes to the overall picture of his unconventional lifestyle. These moments, you know, really build on his character and make him even more endearing in his own odd way. The RV is, basically, a symbol of his approach to life.

"Don't go puttin' ideas in his head, Ellen."

This line is a quick, funny moment where Eddie tries to keep Ellen from encouraging Clark's wild ideas, even though Eddie himself often contributes to the chaos. It's a brief glimpse into his own sense of what's practical, or perhaps his desire to keep things from getting even more out of hand. It's a small line, but it adds to the overall humor of their interactions.

It’s a bit of a classic family dynamic, isn't it, where one person tries to rein in another, even if they're not always the best example themselves. This line, basically, shows a slight protective side, or at least a desire for things not to get too crazy, which is kind of ironic coming from Eddie.

How Cousin Eddie's Lines Became Holiday Tradition

The enduring popularity of "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" means that for many, watching it is an annual ritual. And with that ritual comes the anticipation of hearing Cousin Eddie's lines. People quote them, they share them, and they even use them in everyday conversation, especially around the holidays. It's a way of connecting with the movie and with others who also love it.

These quotes have become a sort of shorthand for expressing the humorous, sometimes frustrating, aspects of family holidays. They remind us that even amidst the quest for the "perfect" Christmas, there's always room for unexpected, messy, and truly funny moments. The film, and Eddie's lines, are a reminder that Christmas, as my text says, is a Christian festival celebrating the birth of Jesus, a time for reflection on love, peace, and goodwill, but it’s also a cultural and commercial phenomenon that involves a lot of human interaction, and sometimes, that interaction is just plain hilarious. You can learn more about National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation on IMDb, if you're curious about the film's background.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cousin Eddie

People often have questions about this unforgettable character. Here are a few that come up quite a bit:

What are Cousin Eddie's most famous lines?

His most famous lines, arguably, include "Shitter was full!", "You serious, Clark?", and "Save the neck for me, Clark!". These are the ones that, you know, really stick in people's minds and get quoted the most. They're pretty iconic, basically.

Who played Cousin Eddie in Christmas Vacation?

Cousin Eddie was brought to life by the actor Randy Quaid. His portrayal is a big reason why the character is so beloved and memorable, too, it's almost impossible to imagine anyone else in the role, isn't it? He just embodied the part perfectly.

What is the full quote about the shitter?

The full quote is "Merry Christmas! Shitter was full!" It's delivered by Eddie when Clark looks out the window on Christmas morning and sees Eddie emptying his RV's septic tank. That particular scene, you know, really captures the essence of Eddie's character and the movie's humor, it's very much a highlight for many viewers.

Sharing the Laughter

Cousin Eddie's quotes are more than just funny lines; they're a part of the holiday experience for many. They remind us that Christmas, even with its ideals of peace and joy, can be wonderfully imperfect and full of unexpected moments. So, the next time you're watching "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation," listen closely for these classic lines, and maybe even share your favorite one with someone. It's a great way to spread some holiday cheer, or at least a good laugh. You can learn more about holiday traditions on our site, if you're interested in other festive customs.