VIDEO Where does the phrase Bye Felicia come from?

Conan O'Brien announces Robin Williams' passing with Andy Richter and Will Arnett

Where does the phrase Bye Felicia come from? If you forgot that the phrase is a throwaway line from the 1995 cult comedy Friday, you’re not alone. Fortunately, Ice Cube reminds us all where it comes from–and the right way to use it.

The phrase “Bye, Felicia” has recently swept the nation–but, as is the case with many fads and memes, its exact origins have been something of a mystery. But, as is also the case with the internet, that mystery hasn’t remained one for long. Ice Cube recently dropped by Mr. Conan O’ Brien’s late night program to discuss the phrase. Why Ice Cube? Because “Bye Felicia” is a throwaway line from Cube’s classic comedy Friday. Check it:

 

It really is an offhanded, throwaway thing from the movie itself.

Since then, the line’s been in Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt; Cookie dropped it on Empire; it’s had a reality TV show named after it. And, of course, it’s a quick, dismissive thing to say when you want to make the least-loved person in the room know she’s the least-loved.

It is interesting to note, though, that in most pop culture examples the person saying “Bye, Felicia” is the one who then leaves the room–whereas, in Friday, it’s Felicia’s job to make herself scarce.

(Photo credits: Where does the phrase Bye Felicia come from via WENN)


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