Buzz
Unpacking the iconic movie scenes that turned this phrase into a cultural staple
You’ve probably said or heard the phrase "How do you like them apples?" with a victorious edge—but what’s the story behind it? Who coined it, and why does it pack such a punch? Keep reading to find out when and how to use "How do you like them apples?" for ultimate impact, and explore the films that made it unforgettable (and just plain fun to say).
“How Do You Like Them Apples?” At a Glance
"How do you like them apples?" is a rhetorical expression used to boast or mock someone after a win or an unexpected revelation. For instance, "I just aced the exam! How do you like them apples?" The phrase is thought to have its roots in late-19th-century Texas and gained widespread fame thanks to the film Good Will Hunting.
Key Steps
What does “How do you like them apples?” signify?
“How do you like them apples?” is a rhetorical question meant to playfully mock or taunt someone you’ve outdone or surprised. Essentially, it’s a humorous way to tease someone after beating them at something or sharing unexpected news that might unsettle them (like securing a promotion or winning a match). It’s closely related to the phrase “How do you like that?”
- “Guess what? I win again! How do you like them apples?”
- “Looks like your car’s been towed! How do you like them apples?”
When Should You Say “How Do You Like Them Apples?”
Use it when you’ve outsmarted or triumphed over someone Most commonly, “How do you like them apples?” is a cheeky way to poke fun at someone who’s come up short compared to your success (like losing a game or failing at something you’ve aced). It’s especially satisfying when they seemed confident they’d win, and you managed to flip the script.
- “That’s a straight flush! How do you like them apples? Game over!”
- Tip: “How do you like them apples?” is a casual, light-hearted phrase. Steer clear of using it in professional, serious, or formal settings.
Say it when you’re about to ruin someone’s day (lightheartedly) Got some news that’s bound to sting a little? Deliver it with “How do you like them apples?” to humorously amplify the impact while keeping the tone playful.
- “Guess what? No car for your birthday! How do you like them apples?”
- “Looks like your candidate didn’t win the election. How do you like them apples?”
- Tip: Stick to light-hearted moments for this phrase. Using it in truly serious or tragic situations—like sharing heartbreaking news—can come off as cruel and inappropriate.
When you want to point out a bad idea If someone proposes a solution that’s impractical (or downright silly), explain how it could realistically unfold and fail. Then, use “How do you like them apples?” as a playful way of saying, “Doesn’t sound so great now, does it?”
- “You can’t text him after ghosting. He’ll just start messaging you non-stop, and you’ll be back at square one. Now how would you like them apples?”
- “No extra allowance this month. If I give you more, there’ll be less for Christmas presents—and no new toy for you. How do you like them apples?”
The origin of “How do you like them apples?”
“How do you like them apples?” might trace back to late-1800s Texas. While its exact origins are unclear, the earliest documented usage appeared in an 1895 edition of the Texas newspaper Bryan Eagle. The article stated:
- “Bryan is the best cotton market in this section of the state and has received more cotton than any other town in this section. How do you like ‘them apples’?”
- The quotation marks around “them apples” suggest it was already a well-known local expression.
Some believe British WWI “toffee apple” bombs inspired the saying. During World War I, British forces used “toffee apple” bombs, named for their resemblance to candied apples—a round barrel atop a stick-like launcher. Some were even painted yellow for added apple-like appearance.
- It’s said soldiers would sarcastically shout “How do you like them apples?” while firing these bombs at enemy lines.
Movies like Good Will Hunting made the phrase iconic. By the 20th century, “How do you like them apples?” had popped up in numerous American films and TV shows, embedding it into popular culture. Despite its age, the phrase remains familiar to many thanks to its use in modern media.
- For example, a memorable scene in the 1997 film Good Will Hunting introduced the phrase to a new generation, even though it had been around for more than a century.
Famous Pop Culture Mentions
Good Will Hunting (1997) This iconic drama, directed by Gus Van Sant and featuring Matt Damon, introduced many Americans to the phrase “How do you like them apples?” In the film, a smug Harvard student belittles Damon and his friends while trying to impress a woman (played by Minnie Driver) at a bar. Damon’s character brilliantly outsmarts him in a debate and ends up with Driver’s phone number.
- Later, Damon spots the Harvard student through a window. Knocking on the glass, he asks, “Do you like apples?” When the student says “Yes,” Damon quips, “Well, I got her number. How do you like them apples?”
- The memorable lead-in (“Do you like apples?”) makes this scene particularly unforgettable. If you haven’t seen it, the moment is available on YouTube here.
- Good Will Hunting is widely credited with popularizing “How do you like them apples?” thanks to the countless parodies of this scene in shows like Freaks and Geeks and The Office.
Chinatown (1974) In Roman Polanski’s legendary neo-noir, Jack Nicholson delivers “How do you like them apples?” to mock an opponent. With a sly grin, his character Jake Gittes showcases his sharp wit and manipulative personality. It’s unclear if Nicholson improvised the line or if it was penned by screenwriter Robert Towne. Some believe Towne included it as a nod to the Western film Rio Bravo (1959), where the line also appears during a fight sequence. Towne’s previous work on Westerns strengthens this theory.
Rio Bravo (1959) Directed by Howard Hawks, this classic Western features John Wayne and his sidekick Stumpy (Walter Brennan) in a heated shootout. During the clash, Stumpy throws sticks of dynamite at their foes and shouts, “How do you like them apples?” This phrase is thought to reference the “toffee apple” bombs used by the British in WWI.
- The full scene can be viewed on YouTube here.
