According to Yale Law School Librarian Fred Shapiro, these are the top phrases of the year that’s about to end:
- “Wear a mask.” — Dr. Anthony Fauci, CNN interview, May 21.
- “I can’t breathe.” — George Floyd, Minneapolis, May 25.
- “One day — it’s like a miracle — it will disappear,” President Donald Trump, referring to the coronavirus at the White House, Feb. 27.
- “I see the disinfectant that knocks it out in a minute, one minute. And is there a way we can do something like that by injection inside or almost a cleaning?” — Trump, at a White House Coronavirus Task Force news briefing, April 23.
- “I will never lie to you. You have my word on that.” — White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany, at her first press briefing, May 1.
- “My most fervent wish is that I will not be replaced until a new president is installed.” — Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, statement dictated to granddaughter Clara Spera, September.
- “If you have a problem figuring out whether you’re for me or Trump, then you ain’t Black.” — Joe Biden, in an interview with “The Breakfast Club” radio program, May 22.
- “The science should not stand in the way of this.” — White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany, referring to school re-openings in a news briefing, July 16.
- “You’re a lying dog-faced pony soldier.” — Joe Biden, in a remark to a student at a campaign event, Hampton, N.H., Feb. 9.
- “We are all Lakers today.” — Los Angeles Clippers coach Doc Rivers, in a remark to reporters after the death of Kobe Bryant, Jan. 26.