Blending sitcom tropes with political satire, Parks and Recreation continues to be so popular years after it officially finished that it is constantly quoted and memed, and even had a 2020 reunion. From Ron Swanson’s deadpan sarcasm to Leslie Knope’s overwhelming positivity, the show seems written to be quoted.
These lines are the ones that simply do not grow old, and that perfectly sum up the characters themselves. For instance, characters like Leslie Knope or Chris Taeger might be all smiles on the surface but some of their best and most memorable lines reveal what's going on beneath the surface. Ron Swanson and April Ludgate, on the other hand, bring consistently brilliant deadpan humor to the show in a way that fans simply cannot forget.
'Treat Yo Self'
Tom Haverford and Donna Meagle are two of the closest friends in the office, and they celebrate this annually in a ‘treat yo self’ day. The quote first appears in the Season 4 episode 'Pawnee Rangers' when Tom and Donna grant themselves a holiday engage in self-care and spending like shopping or visiting spas, and so on.
This becomes an annual ritual with every 13th of October being their 'treat yo self' day. Since then, the quote has become a recurring motto in the series emphasizing the need to take a much-needed chill pill when necessary. Such is the significance that all episodes of the NBC original also shifted to Peacock on last year's 'treat yo self' day.
'When I Eat, It Is The Food That Is Scared.'
Always ready to devour what's on his plate, it's not surprising to find Ron say 'When I eat, it is the food that is scared'. This particular quote is from the episode 'Bowling For Votes' in which Ron, Tom, and Ann go out to a bowling alley. However, rather than bowling, Ron's main intention is to visit the restaurant within the alley which he feels is the best eatery in Pawnee.
Ron's most badass quotes in Parks and Rec largely focus on his culinary habits and so, this naturally goes well with his usual carnivorous nature that comes out every now and then in the series. It also goes on to show how he cares very little about the people around him and his first and foremost priority is always good food.
'I Have No Idea What I’m Doing…'
In the Season 2 episode 'The Camel', Andy picks up the job of Pawnee’s chief shoeshiner. Even though he lacks the training for such a job, he still gives his best and viewers get one of Andy Dwyer's most hilarious quotes, ‘I have no idea what I’m doing but I know I’m doing it well.'
The quote perfectly sums up his easygoing personality and his perpetual optimism in challenging situations. What's notable in this episode is that his dedication even goes on to impress the cold-hearted Ron Swanson. While shining his shoes, Andy even eases Ron's pain from his bunion, making Ron a regular customer for a brief time.
'We Need To Remember What’s Important In Life: Friends, Waffles And Work.'
In an episode aptly titled 'The Fight', Leslie preaches on the importance of 'friends, waffles and work'. This realization dawns upon her when Leslie's friendship with Ann Perkins is threatened after a drunken encounter when she mocks Ann's dating preferences and work ethics.
It’s no secret that Leslie Knope is a workaholic. But her own standards of work often make her see everyone else in the same light which can lead to unfavorable results such as this case. Later in the episode, she adds that work should always be ranked below friends and waffles if one were to compare. It makes for a pretty impactful piece of dialogue as it reveals the emotional side of the otherwise-professional civil servant of Pawnee.
'I Regret Nothing. The End.'
After Jeremy Jamm ruins Leslie and Ben's wedding, Ron can't handle his disgraceful behavior. So, he impulsively punches Jamm in the face, an incident for which he almost gets sued in the Season 5 episode 'Partridge'. When Jamm attempts to sue him, Ron just says, 'I regret nothing. The end.'
Punching Jamm is perhaps one of the most thoughtful things that Ron did and shows how much he values Leslie's friendship. He might not show his true emotions but deep down, he really does care for Leslie. And as for him punching Jamm, the violent gesture can be deduced from his outdated notions of toxic masculinity as he can often be found telling his male peers how to be more 'manly'.
'I Am Big Enough To Admit That I Am Often Inspired By Myself.'
In 'How A Bill Becomes A Law', Leslie comes up with the idea of extending the community pool hours as a means of improving her public standing. Never the one to bottle up her emotions, Leslie gleefully remarks, 'I am big enough to admit that I am often inspired by myself'.
Even though politicians like Nancy Pelosi and Hillary Clinton inspire Leslie, she also looks at herself as an inspiration. What's interesting is that despite such thoughts, she still exhibits a positive nature towards everyone else and emerges as a good team player as always.
'No, That’s Buckingham Palace. Hogwarts Is Fictional.'
Parks and Rec's Andy can be the worst travel companion as is evident from his trip with Ben Wyatt to London in the titular Season 6 premiere. While visiting the tourist attractions, Ben is baffled by how cut-off Andy is from general British culture. This continues to the point where Adam ends up mistaking Buckingham Palace for the fictional wizarding school Hogwarts.
Informing Andy about this, Ben also adds, ‘You do know that, don’t you? It’s important to me that you know that’. The scene is a perfect example to show the contrasting personalities of both characters. While Ben is not outrightly judgmental, he is often amused and bothered by Andy's immaturity be it when Andy is sharing a home with him or when they visit London.
'I've Never Taken The High Road But I Tell Other People To Cause' Then There's More Room For Me On The Low Road.'
Tom comes clean with his philosophy for success in the episode Ron & Tammy. At the end of the day, Tom knows his capabilities. So, despite saying 'I've never taken the high road', he is content with the low road. Considering how smart and sly Tom can be, he wants to eliminate all competition when it comes to the road that he takes.
From the Snakehole Lounge bar to Pawnee's entertainment media conglomerate, Tom Haverford might not have the smartest ideas but he surely knows how to act smart. His self-made persona of being an entrepreneur and innovator is evident from how he often preaches what he doesn't practice. Despite the worst things that Tom has done, his opportunistic nature is still strangely inspirational.
'I Keep My Body Moving, And My Mind Occupied At All Times.'
Chris Traeger seems to have a perpetually positive persona but he, too, cracks under pressure at times. In 'Bus Tour', Leslie embarks on a tour for her upcoming campaign. While Chris accompanies her, he reveals that he has been feeling depressed lately and is still eager to work with her as a means to get over his melancholy. 'I keep my body moving, and my mind occupied at all times'.
For Chris, constant exercise and office work often act as his coping mechanisms. But despite being at his physical peak, he still has a tough time finding mental peace. The quote bears further testimony to this fact.
'Ugh. I Hate Talking To People About Things.'
In the aforementioned episode The Fight, April is invited to Tom's nightclub The Snakehole Lounge as he's planning to promote a new drink. April makes her lack of enthusiasm evident when she simply says, 'I hate talking to people'.
Even though April offers pieces of valuable advice at times, she chooses not to engage much in social events. While the show's characters undergo several transitions over the seasons, April's introversion continues to be her dominant personality trait. Her emotions still do come out whenever she's with her boyfriend Andy. Even in this episode, she attends the event when Andy suggests a game of role-playing as 'strangers in a bar'.