【2005 Archives】

Back in 2011005 Archives no one could have predicted that Game of Throneswould become Game of Thrones. Fans of George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series were probably hype about getting an HBO adaptation of a book series they knew and loved, but a fantasy TV show where heroes die and villains (sometimes) win was considered a gamble for a network better known for The Wireand Sex and the City.

The sheer excellence of Thronesshone through even in its earlier seasons, and from the moment Ned Stark’s head tumbled off the chopping block in “Baelor,” the stage was set for this compellingly violent character extravaganza to take over the world. And take over it has.

In the eight years since Thronespremiered, its iconic lines and plot points have permeated the cultural landscape, with events like the Red Wedding becoming easy shorthand for any figurative massacre and an entire generation of children named after dragon queens and faceless little girls. Here are some of the ways Game of Thronesaltered the world on the micro level — by changing the way we talk and think.

“Winter is coming”

Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

The words of House Stark have always sounded ominous, and now that the threat of the White Walkers has been realized they are even more prophetic. In our world, “winter is coming” can mean a lot of things, from a big event on the horizon or way of warning against a literal weather event. Either way, it’s best to be prepared.

Lannister shit

Game of Thronesdidn’t pull any punches when it came to showing the incestuous relationship between twins Jamie and Cersei Lannister, making them the poster children for veryunhealthy sibling relationships. When Season 7 threw another incestuous couple at its viewers (hi Jon/Aegon and Dany), the question lingered: Is this some Lannister shit?

“You win or you die”

Another Season 1 line that’s stuck around in the popular lexicon is Cersei’s declaration that in the game of thrones (title alert!), “you win or you die.” It’s been applied to politics and championship sports games, probably because it hyperbolically sums up a lot about how competition works in both this world and Westeros.

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Baby names

Before Game of Thrones, there were very few children named after characters from A Song of Ice and Fire. In 2018, "Arya" was the 119th most popular female baby name in the U.S., making it a more common choice than "Mary." There were also 58 babies named Tyrion, 33 named Brienne, 29 named Sansa -- and, most frustratingly, 560 named Khaleesi (it's a title, not a name!).

“You know nothing, Jon Snow”

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Pour one out for Ygritte, kissed by fire and by lonesome crow Jon Snow. She teased her way into Jon’s heart onscreen (and also Kit Harington’s IRL) by reminding the clueless ranger that he knew nothing and opened his eyes to the wonders beyond the wall. In our world, “you know nothing, Jon Snow” or simply “you know nothing” can be a neg or a declaration — some people out there really don’t know shit.

Less vs. fewer

Listen, English is hard and it’s OK to disregard some of its rules in favor of taking the easy route. But Stannis Baratheon was the kind of guy who would never take the easy route, ever. His constant reminders that Ser Davos used “less” when he meant “fewer” paid off in Season 7, when Ser Davos corrected Jon Snow and proved he did learn something from serving the ill-fated king.

Thanks to Stannis and Davos, correcting someone on the less vs. fewer debate is a fun Thronesreference, as opposed to something annoying people do to sound smart.

“The night is dark and full of terrors”

Melisandre is significantly better at spectacle than she is at prophecy. Her rituals for the Lord of Light are always memorable, in no small part due to the repetition of “for the night is dark and full of terrors.” Darkness as a concept is scary! Mel gave everyone a good excuse not to take the trash out at night or go investigate that weird noise coming from the garage. The night is dark and full of terrors, man. Just do it in the morning.

Shame 🔔

Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

In 2019, shame is the name of the game. Online, offline, there’s no escape from the multitude of actions and opinions that might bring public shame upon you and your social media profiles. Thrones gave us a dope shorthand for shaming people when they introduced Septa Unella, better known as Shame Nun, who tormented Cersei before and during her walk of punishment to the Red Keep. Shame 🔔. Shame 🔔. Shame 🔔.

“You sweet summer child”

Once upon a time, the Stark kids were sweet summer children. They had never known a winter and had no concept of the trials that were coming for them. Old Nan calling Bran a “sweet summer child” was half a term of endearment and half a sick burn, making the phrase synonymous with a well intentioned and completely naive person.

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Topics Game Of Thrones