When the rest of the world is laughing at the "Seinfeld" finale May 14, you'll want to be in on the jokes. If you're not familiar with Jerry-speak, here's a quick guide to help you figure out what's so funny:
Yada, yada, yada: Sort of like "and so on," but with an edge. Much easier to say "yada, yada, yada" than to finish a conversation, or even a thought. The Seinfeldian answer to "blah, blah, blah."
Master of your domain: Refers to sexual self-gratification (strictly speaking, it's one who abstains from same).
Sponge-worthy: A guy who's worth taking to the next step. Coined in response to the finite supply of contraceptive sponges, Elaine's preferred method of birth control.
Big salad: A salad so big it's a meal. And no matter what the waitress may say, two small salads do not equal a big salad.
Soup Nazi: A mean-spirited, dictatorial New York soup seller (based on a real guy) who makes soup to die for (which might just happen if you do not heed his ordering instructions).
In my mind, I'm already gone: Famed Kramer line, denoting an advanced state of preparedness for a coming event. For Kramer, it was a life-changing trip to California.
Not that there's anything wrong with that: An all-encompassing salve for political incorrectness. When Jerry and George spoke disparagingly of being mistaken for gay, they would end each statement: "Not that there's anything wrong with that."
Magic loogie: A ricocheting gob of spit that may have changed baseball history.
The Move: A sexual maneuver so impressive ... well, the mind boggles. Jerry invented it, Elaine's boyfriend stole it.
Mulva: A woman's name that rhymes with a female body part. At least, Jerry thinks so.
Double-dip: Dip a chip in dip, eat half, then dip again. A definite social faux pas.
Hand: To be the dominant partner in a relationship. A good thing.
You are so good-looking: Alternative to "God Bless You" as the response to another person's sneeze. Much less presumptive.
Fusilli: A type of pasta with which Kramer constructs a statue of Jerry.
Hel-lo, Newman: A warning of approaching danger. Or greeting for a really annoying letter carrier.
Pub Date: 5/03/98