Phrase Origins: That’s All Folks

“Th-th-th=that’s all folks!” is the line that is remembered by many at the end of Looney Tune cartoons uttered by none other than the famous stuttering Porky Pig. Porky Pig, along with many other Looney Tunes characters were voiced by Mel Blanc, known as the Man of 1000 voices. Because of being such a well-known phrase, many people now say, “That’s all folks” at the end of a presentation or when they want people to leave. Even teachers and policemen have uttered the famous line. It seems that no one is immune to using these lines ingrained into pop culture.

However, it is possible that phrase, “That’s all folks!” has an origin?

The first version of the phrase seems to be, “So long, folks!” This was used in a Bosko cartoon in 1929. In 1930, the Looney Tunes character Bosko said, “That’s all folks.

However, it is thought there might be more to the phrase than this. A cartoon series called “Jerry the Troublesome Tyke” aired in Britain in 1926. Those cartoons ended with, “And that’s all.”

However, there are no certainties about any of the phrases. The progression seems likely, but it is unknown if Mel Blanc knew about the series “Jerry the Troublesome Tyke.

What is know is that Mel Blanc’s headstone at his final resting place is engraved with the famous phrase, “That’s all folks,” above him name which will remind us of his contribution to pop culture forever.

Source:

Martin, G. (n.d.). That’s all folks!. The meanings and origins of sayings and phrases . Retrieved December 3, 2010, from http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/350000.html