Season 3 · Episode 9 · 1995
Frasier Grinch
24 cultural references across 9 categories.
Fashion
3Armani
Giorgio Armani is an iconic Italian fashion designer and founder of the Armani luxury fashion house.
“Well, for starters, he can learn never to wear Armani to a toy store.”— Niles
Smoking jacket
A smoking jacket is a formal men's garment traditionally worn while smoking after dinner, associated with refined, upper-class leisure.
“Frasier, isn't this the smoking jacket you gave Dad a few years back?”— Niles
Dressing gown
A dressing gown is a long loose robe worn informally at home, associated with elegant leisure and sophistication.
“No, you don't. It's not a robe, it's a dressing gown. Noel Coward would love it, but it's not you.”— Frasier
Film
1Food/Dining
1Historical Figure
2Tallulah Bankhead
Tallulah Bankhead was a legendary American actress known for her dramatic, over-the-top personality and theatrical performances.
“That's enough, Talulah. You're not fooling anyone.”— Frasier
Geronimo
Geronimo was a prominent leader of the Bedonkohe Apache who fought against Mexico and the United States. His name became an exclamation used when jumping from a…
“I hope it can say 'Geronimo' because I'm going to throw him off the balcony!”— Frasier
Literature
4Visions of sugarplums
A reference to the poem 'A Visit from St. Nicholas' (also known as 'Twas the Night Before Christmas') by Clement Clarke Moore, which contains the line 'While vi…
“I imagine he has visions of sugarplums dancing through his head.”— Niles
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
A 1957 children's book by Dr. Seuss about a grouchy creature who tries to stop Christmas. 'Grinch' has become a common term for a Christmas spoilsport.
“Oh, don't be such a Grinch.”— Martin
Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus
A reference to the famous 1897 editorial in the New York Sun responding to eight-year-old Virginia O'Hanlon's letter asking whether Santa Claus exists. Frasier …
“Petunia, there is a Santa Claus.”— Frasier
A Visit from St. Nicholas
The famous 1823 Christmas poem commonly known as 'Twas the Night Before Christmas,' attributed to Clement Clarke Moore. Frasier's closing line 'And to all a goo…
“And to all a good night.”— Frasier
Music
2Mele Kalikimaka
'Mele Kalikimaka' is the Hawaiian phrase for 'Merry Christmas,' popularized by Bing Crosby's 1950 recording of the song of the same name.
“Mele Keleke Maka, Bob.”— Frasier
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
A famous Christmas character originating from a 1939 story by Robert L. May, later popularized by the 1949 Gene Autry song. Known for his glowing red nose.
“I'm going to put this wreath up here... What's the matter with Rudolph?”— Martin
Other
6Au contraire
A French expression meaning 'on the contrary,' commonly used as a highbrow conversational flourish.
“Au contraire. I told her I was not about to apologise”— Niles
The Bernsteins
fictionalA reference to a Jewish family in the neighborhood, implying that young Frasier preferred celebrating Hanukkah to his father's garish Christmas decorations.
“When I was eight I started spending a lot more time at the Bernsteins.”— Frasier
Bonsoir
French for 'Good evening,' used here by young Frederick as a display of his precocious education.
“Bonsoir, Uncle Niles.”— Frederick
Et toi aussi
French for 'And you too,' Niles's response to Frederick's French greeting, demonstrating the Crane family's cultural pretensions.
“Et toi aussi.”— Niles
The Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China is an ancient series of fortifications built across northern China, one of the most famous landmarks in the world.
“a five thousand piece puzzle of the Great Wall of China.”— Frasier
Barbie
Barbie is the iconic fashion doll manufactured by Mattel, one of the best-selling toys in history.
“A kitchen set, a dollhouse and three kinds of Barbies!”— Frasier
Theatre/Opera
2Noel Coward
Sir Noël Coward (1899–1973) was an English playwright, composer, director, and actor known for his sophistication, wit, and elegant personal style including dre…
“Noel Coward would love it, but it's not you.”— Frasier
Amahl and the Night Visitors
Amahl and the Night Visitors is a one-act opera by Gian Carlo Menotti, the first opera specifically composed for television in America (1951). The act title 'A …
“A MALL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS”— Frasier
Travel
3Kenebunkport
Kennebunkport is a town in Maine known as a vacation destination for wealthy families, notably the Bush family compound.
“This is for a Franklin Crane from Kenibunkport.”— Frasier
Newark
Newark, New Jersey, a major city and transportation hub in the New York metropolitan area, referenced as the caller Bob's hometown.
“I'm supposed to be flying home to Newark for Christmas”— Bob
Maui
Maui is the second-largest Hawaiian island, a popular tropical vacation destination.
“the flight the next gate over has a flight to Maui. I'm telling you, it's calling me, Doc.”— Bob