interjection Pop Culture

Cowabunga

/ˌkaʊəˈbʌŋɡə/ · interjection · slang

A joyful surfer shout of excitement — made huge by the Ninja Turtles.

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Definitions

1

An exclamation of excitement or triumph, yelled before a surf run or any thrilling moment.

“Cowabunga! Look at that wave!”
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2

Used to celebrate diving into something headfirst.

“He grabbed his board and shouted cowabunga before paddling out.”
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3

A rallying cry of fun and enthusiasm, popularized by Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

“Pizza's here — cowabunga, dudes!”
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Cowabunga In A Sentence

Cowabunga! We're going to Disneyland!
He cannonballed into the pool yelling cowabunga.
Cowabunga, dude, that trick was insane!

Origin & Usage

Originated as a nonsense exclamation on the 1950s 'Howdy Doody Show,' then got adopted by surfers. The 1987 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles cartoon turned it into an 80s catchphrase for a whole generation.

Variants kowabungacowabunga dude
Tags #80s#american#surf#pop

People Also Ask

What does cowabunga mean?

It's an exclamation of excitement or triumph, like 'yeah!' or 'let's go!' — especially before something thrilling.

Where does cowabunga come from?

It started on the 1950s 'Howdy Doody Show,' got picked up by surfers, and was made famous by the Ninja Turtles in the 80s.

Who says cowabunga?

Surfers used it first, but Michelangelo from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles made it a household word in the late 80s.

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