Have you ever heard the phrase “bird is the word“? If you’re a fan of catchy songs, then you might already know this line from the famous 1963 hit “Surfin’ Bird” by The Trashmen. The phrase quickly became popular and is still used today in pop culture. But what exactly does “bird is the word” mean, and why does it still stick in people’s minds after so many years?
In this blog post, we’ll dive into the fun history of the phrase “bird is the word,” explore its impact on music and pop culture, and uncover why this quirky line continues to make people smile. Whether you first heard it on a surfing adventure or from a TV show, this catchy phrase is here to stay!
What Does “Bird is the Word” Really Mean
“Bird is the word” is a fun phrase that comes from the popular 1963 song Surfin’ Bird by The Trashmen. The song’s chorus repeats the line “The bird, bird, bird, the bird is the word,” which quickly caught on with listeners. The phrase itself doesn’t mean anything serious—it’s just a catchy, fun way to refer to the song and its energetic vibe. It became a well-loved part of music history.
Even though the phrase doesn’t have a deep meaning, it became so popular that it spread across pop culture. From TV shows to memes, “bird is the word” is often used in a light-hearted way. It’s a playful expression that makes people smile whenever they hear it. So, in simple terms, “bird is the word” is just a catchy lyric from a song that people love to sing along to!
The Story Behind the Famous Lyric: “Surfin’ Bird”

The song Surfin’ Bird was released by The Trashmen in 1963. It was a mix of surf rock and rhythm and blues, and it quickly became a hit. The song was catchy and fun, and its lyrics focused on the idea of the “bird,” which was a slang term for something cool or exciting. The line “The bird is the word” helped turn the song into a timeless classic.
While the song was mostly popular in the early ’60s, it was revived years later when it was featured in TV shows like Family Guy. This helped bring Surfin’ Bird back into the spotlight, and the phrase “bird is the word” became a meme. Today, it’s still widely known, and many people still associate it with the catchy song!
How “Bird is the Word” Took Over Pop Culture
“Bird is the word” wasn’t just a hit in the ’60s—it made a huge comeback thanks to TV shows, movies, and internet memes. Most notably, Family Guy played a big part in bringing the phrase back. In one famous episode, the character Peter Griffin sings the line over and over, which caused fans to laugh and share the clip online.
This moment from Family Guy helped introduce the phrase to a whole new generation of fans. People on social media began to reference “bird is the word” in their posts and memes, and it became a fun, nostalgic phrase that’s still shared today. The song’s catchy nature and the meme culture helped “bird is the word” stay alive in pop culture for years.
Why “Bird is the Word” Still Makes Us Smile

There’s something special about the way the phrase “bird is the word” brings joy to people. It’s not just a song lyric—it’s a reminder of simpler, fun times. Whether you’re singing along to the tune or seeing it in a meme, it’s hard not to smile when you hear those words. It’s like a little inside joke that everyone can enjoy.
People continue to use “bird is the word” in a variety of ways. From social media posts to casual conversations, it’s a phrase that makes people feel happy and connected. So, even though it started as just a fun line from a song, “bird is the word” has become a symbol of joy and excitement.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “bird is the word” started as a catchy line from the song Surfin’ Bird by The Trashmen in 1963. Over time, it became more than just a lyric—it turned into a fun phrase that people all over the world love to repeat. Whether it’s through music, TV shows, or memes, the phrase continues to make people smile.
The lasting popularity of “bird is the word” shows how something as simple as a song lyric can bring people together. From its origins in the ’60s to its viral meme status, this catchy phrase is a true part of pop culture that won’t be forgotten anytime soon.
FAQs
Q: What does the phrase “bird is the word” mean
A: “Bird is the word” is a catchy line from the song Surfin’ Bird by The Trashmen. It doesn’t have a deep meaning, but it’s used for fun and has become part of pop culture.
Q: Who made the song “Surfin’ Bird”
A: The song Surfin’ Bird was made by The Trashmen, a band that released it in 1963.
Q: How did “bird is the word” become popular again
A: It became popular again when it was featured in Family Guy and then spread through internet memes.
Q: Why do people still say “bird is the word”
A: People say it because it’s fun, catchy, and brings joy. It’s a phrase that makes people smile.
Q: Can “bird is the word” be used in memes
A: Yes! “Bird is the word” is often used in memes online to make people laugh, especially when paired with funny images.