Cowabunga It Is – Meaning, Origin and Usage Explained Clearly
If you’ve ever heard someone shout “Cowabunga it is!” and thought, “Wait, what did they just say?” — you’re not alone. It’s one of those expressions that sounds fun, vaguely nostalgic, and slightly ridiculous… yet somehow, it just works. It’s casual, it’s bold, and it’s laced with that energetic, throw-caution-to-the-wind vibe. But what does it actually mean, and where on earth did it come from? Let’s break it down.
What Does “Cowabunga It Is” Mean?
In simple terms, “Cowabunga it is” is an enthusiastic way of agreeing to something. It’s like saying, “Alright, let’s do it!” or “I’m all in!” But there’s more to it than just agreement. The phrase packs a punch of excitement and spontaneity. It suggests a sense of adventure, as if you’re not just agreeing—you’re diving in headfirst (well, not literally).
It’s a rally cry. It adds flair to a decision, even a mundane one. Someone says, “Pizza for dinner?” and you answer, “Cowabunga it is!” Suddenly, that pizza plan sounds way more epic.
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Where Did “Cowabunga It Is” Come From?
The root of “Cowabunga it is” lies in the single word: Cowabunga. This word has had a quirky, rollercoaster life.
Originally, it was a nonsense term created by the writers of the 1950s kids’ show The Howdy Doody Show. The Native American character Chief Thunderthud would often exclaim “Kowabunga!” as a greeting or expression of surprise. From there, the term somehow caught on with 1960s surfers, who adopted “Cowabunga!” as their own celebratory shout when catching a big wave.
Fast forward to the late ’80s and early ’90s, and the phrase exploded again—this time thanks to a group of pizza-loving sewer-dwelling reptiles. Yep, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles brought “Cowabunga!” back into pop culture. Michelangelo, the fun-loving turtle, used it as his go-to catchphrase.
“Cowabunga it is” evolved as a more specific, affirmative twist on the original exclamation. Instead of shouting just “Cowabunga!” in general glee, adding “it is” turned it into a decision-making statement. It’s like someone offering a plan and you responding with nostalgic enthusiasm: “Cowabunga it is!”
How to Use “Cowabunga It Is” in Conversation
So when do you use it? Honestly, whenever you want to inject a little fun or retro flair into an otherwise ordinary agreement.
Here are a few examples:
- Friend: “Want to hit the beach this weekend?”You: “Cowabunga it is!”
- Coworker: “Let’s go with the taco truck for lunch.”You: “Cowabunga it is! I’ve been craving tacos.”
- Sibling: “Let’s marathon some ’90s cartoons tonight.”You: “Cowabunga it is!”
Notice the tone here. It’s playful, maybe a little tongue-in-cheek. You wouldn’t necessarily use it in a formal setting (unless you’re trying to be ironically hilarious), but in casual conversation, it fits like a glove.
When Should You Say “Cowabunga It Is”?
It shines best in moments of choice—especially when the decision is leaning toward fun, adventurous, or spontaneous. You’re not going to say it when choosing between spreadsheets or PowerPoints. But if someone suggests karaoke, midnight snacks, or a weekend road trip?
Cowabunga it is.
It also works great when you want to lighten the mood. If everyone’s being indecisive, and you’re the one to finally say yes with flair, the phrase can break the tension. It’s a verbal sparkler.
What to Say When Someone Says “Cowabunga It Is”
Okay, so someone throws this phrase at you. How do you respond?
You could match the tone:
- “Heck yeah, let’s do it!”
- “Now we’re talking!”
- “Radical choice, my dude.”
Or, if you’re feeling cheeky:
- “You sound like a cartoon turtle.”
- “Well, alrighty then, surfer bro.”
In general, it invites a smile or chuckle. If someone says it around you, chances are they’re in a playful mood, and your response should vibe with that.
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Other Slang Expressions Like “Cowabunga It Is”
English is full of phrases that carry similar vibes—energetic agreement, enthusiastic commitment, or nostalgic flair. A few that stand out:
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Let’s roll! | Ready to take action; often associated with energetic starts, especially in ’90s cartoons. |
| Rock and roll! | An enthusiastic yes; conveys excitement with a musical and rebellious vibe. |
| Booyah! | A loud, triumphant exclamation of victory or excitement; popularized in sports and cartoons. |
| Heck yeah! | A strong, affirmative response with a down-to-earth, country-style tone. |
| You betcha! | A quirky, humorous way to say “absolutely”; associated with Midwestern charm. |
| Game on! | Declaring readiness for a challenge; arcade and competition roots. |
Each one brings its own flavor, but they all fit in the same category: phrases that make saying yes feel like something more.
Conclusion
So, what’s the deal with “Cowabunga it is”? It’s part nostalgia, part joy, part rebellion against the ordinary. It’s one of those rare phrases that doesn’t just agree—it celebrates. And in a world full of “okays” and “sures,” sometimes you need a little more spark.
Whether you grew up watching the Ninja Turtles, caught waves in the ’60s, or just stumbled upon the phrase on social media, it carries a fun-loving energy that’s hard to ignore. So next time someone tosses out a wild idea, don’t just say yes.
