100 most common words in TV shows that the Oxford 5000 doesn't have
The Oxford 5000 is the word list most English learners are told to finish. We took the 100 most popular TV shows, 9,239 episodes and 40 million words of dialogue, counted every word people say in them, and removed everything the Oxford 5000 covers. These are the 100 words left over that TV says most, ranked by how many times each one turns up per million words of dialogue.
Most of them are not rare words. Congratulations is said in 99 of the 100 shows, and 48 of the words on this list are said in at least 80 of them. Every one of them is said more often than 91% of the words the Oxford 5000 lists at C1, its most advanced level. If you have finished the Oxford 5000 and still miss words when you watch a show, this list is a good part of the reason.
Swear words and the words people call each other, such as dude and honey, are counted the same way and left off the list until you ask for them: nobody expects a learner's word list to teach the first, and the second carry little meaning of their own. The 19 swear words said often enough to rank here add up to 2,889 per million, one word in every 346 said on screen.
Every row gives how often the word is said per million words of dialogue, how many of the 100 shows say it at least once, a line from an episode, and the three shows that say it most. A word marked few shows is said in fewer than 60 of the 100 shows, so its place on the list comes from a smaller set of shows saying it often.
-
1
143.4 in 91 of 100 shows
killer
143.4 per million, in 91 of 100 shows.
Agreed. The killer's tracking its prey. The question is how.
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., S3E4
Said most in Hannibal, Dexter, Only Murders in the Building
-
2
97.3 in 91 of 100 shows
freak
97.3 per million, in 91 of 100 shows.
I'm incredibly anal and an unbelievable control freak.
Friends, S2E1
Said most in Stranger Things, American Horror Story, New Girl
-
3
85.6 in 53 of 100 shows
vampire few shows
85.6 per million, in 53 of 100 shows.
And, because he was a vampire, he lived through all of it.
Community, S3E5
Said most in True Blood, The Vampire Diaries, Supernatural
-
4
72.6 in 77 of 100 shows
awesome
72.6 per million, in 77 of 100 shows.
We just kind of do it when one of us says something awesome.
Community, S2E22
Said most in How I Met Your Mother, Parks and Recreation, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia
-
5
53.9 in 96 of 100 shows
insane
53.9 per million, in 96 of 100 shows.
Make sure she doesn't say anything insane or steal anything.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine, S1E16
Said most in You, Hannibal, Andor
-
6
49.6 in 71 of 100 shows
witch
49.6 per million, in 71 of 100 shows.
You expect me to stand by as some witch doctor comes in here...
American Horror Story, S2E2
Said most in The Vampire Diaries, Once Upon a Time, American Horror Story
-
7
48.5 in 91 of 100 shows
curse
48.5 per million, in 91 of 100 shows.
Because my father laid a curse on you to live forever,
Lucifer, S3E13
Said most in Once Upon a Time, The Vampire Diaries, Shōgun
-
8
45.0 in 47 of 100 shows
tumor few shows
45.0 per million, in 47 of 100 shows.
He had a brain tumor, in Mexico City a year ago.
Criminal Minds, S11E9
Said most in House, Grey's Anatomy, Hannibal
-
9
43.7 in 99 of 100 shows
congratulations
43.7 per million, in 99 of 100 shows.
Congratulations, gentlemen. And welcome to the Sekai Taikai.
Cobra Kai, S5E8
Said most in Severance, Fallout, DAHMER - Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story
-
10
40.8 in 88 of 100 shows
bust
40.8 per million, in 88 of 100 shows.
could you help me wrap up this massive cocaine bust I just pulled off?
Brooklyn Nine-Nine, S1E2
Said most in Reacher, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, The Mentalist
-
11
40.2 in 84 of 100 shows
bang
40.2 per million, in 84 of 100 shows.
Banging on some tin for a few shekels or whatever they used.
Boardwalk Empire, S3E8
Said most in It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, How I Met Your Mother, The Big Bang Theory
-
12
39.7 in 80 of 100 shows
butt
39.7 per million, in 80 of 100 shows.
At least you get to sit on your butt all day.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine, S1E3
Said most in Brooklyn Nine-Nine, The Good Place, Community
-
13
38.1 in 54 of 100 shows
intern few shows
38.1 per million, in 54 of 100 shows.
I thought about it and I really would love to intern with you.
Gossip Girl, S4E12
Said most in Scrubs, Grey's Anatomy, Parks and Recreation
-
14
37.5 in 95 of 100 shows
sneak
37.5 per million, in 95 of 100 shows.
Uh, "Sneak into his apartment and burn popcorn in the microwave."
Brooklyn Nine-Nine, S1E5
Said most in Wednesday, Severance, Firefly
-
15
37.0 in 94 of 100 shows
liar
37.0 per million, in 94 of 100 shows.
I'm gonna leak all the wrong secrets, 'cause I'm a bad liar.
Grey's Anatomy, S2E1
Said most in Loki, Game of Thrones, The Mentalist
-
16
36.7 in 85 of 100 shows
jealous
36.7 per million, in 85 of 100 shows.
Being jealous of her is totally Constance, and I've moved on.
Gossip Girl, S4E1
Said most in The White Lotus, You, How I Met Your Mother
-
17
36.0 in 77 of 100 shows
pizza
36.0 per million, in 77 of 100 shows.
Seriously, why are you dragging Sal's Pizza through the mud?
Brooklyn Nine-Nine, S1E9
Said most in Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Two and a Half Men, Parks and Recreation
-
18
35.6 in 88 of 100 shows
trash
35.6 per million, in 88 of 100 shows.
Personal items only, Scully. Get that case out of the trash.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine, S6E7
Said most in It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Rick and Morty, Love, Death & Robots
-
19
34.7 in 71 of 100 shows
pee
34.7 per million, in 71 of 100 shows.
I mean, I'm dating a man whose pool I once peed in.
Friends, S2E15
Said most in Two and a Half Men, Orange Is the New Black, House
-
20
34.3 in 82 of 100 shows
hug
34.3 per million, in 82 of 100 shows.
I need to go hug my baby girls. Excuse me.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine, S1E5
Said most in Scrubs, Severance, Big Little Lies
-
21
34.0 in 78 of 100 shows
hack
34.0 per million, in 78 of 100 shows.
All this hacking into S.H.I.E.L.D., tracking powers --
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., S1E1
Said most in Mr. Robot, Person of Interest, Arrow
-
22
33.7 in 94 of 100 shows
awake
33.7 per million, in 94 of 100 shows.
- Okay, remember what Moon told you? - Yes, I will be awake.
Cobra Kai, S4E6
Said most in Mr. Robot, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, Hannibal
-
23
32.9 in 59 of 100 shows
sheriff few shows
32.9 per million, in 59 of 100 shows.
C'mon, Nuck, you were assistant sheriff when you were my age.
Boardwalk Empire, S1E1
Said most in Silo, Sons of Anarchy, Wednesday
-
24
32.4 in 86 of 100 shows
murderer
32.4 per million, in 86 of 100 shows.
Our guy's acting like a workplace mass murderer.
Criminal Minds, S1E13
Said most in Only Murders in the Building, Jessica Jones, Hannibal
-
25
31.0 in 76 of 100 shows
jerk
31.0 per million, in 76 of 100 shows.
I may, for the first time have been a bit of a jerk. And I'm sorry.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine, S1E4
Said most in House, Scrubs, Parks and Recreation
-
27
29.3 in 75 of 100 shows
chick
29.3 per million, in 75 of 100 shows.
Yeah, you know, we'll put chips in it. We'll make it a chip chick.
Friends, S2E19
Said most in How I Met Your Mother, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Shameless
-
28
29.1 in 91 of 100 shows
disgust
29.1 per million, in 91 of 100 shows.
I'm like the most disgusting fountain in the world.
Grey's Anatomy, S3E21
Said most in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, Shōgun, Succession
-
29
28.8 in 91 of 100 shows
handsome
28.8 per million, in 91 of 100 shows.
He's handsome and he's got the social skills to trick his victims.
Criminal Minds, S2E9
Said most in Bridgerton, Mad Men, The Mandalorian
-
30
28.4 in 83 of 100 shows
closet
28.4 per million, in 83 of 100 shows.
What's in my closet is none of your business.
Grey's Anatomy, S1E9
Said most in Modern Family, Only Murders in the Building, Severance
-
31
28.4 in 89 of 100 shows
toast
28.4 per million, in 89 of 100 shows.
The best French toast I ever ate was with Mayor Lindsay's dog.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine, S1E21
Said most in Two and a Half Men, Altered Carbon, Brooklyn Nine-Nine
-
32
28.3 in 80 of 100 shows
couch
28.3 per million, in 80 of 100 shows.
Yes, Addison had a very ugly, very heavy futon couch.
Grey's Anatomy, S3E5
Said most in Friends, Two and a Half Men, The Big Bang Theory
-
33
27.9 in 87 of 100 shows
flip
27.9 per million, in 87 of 100 shows.
I'm down 10 units of blood, and I haven't even flipped her yet.
Grey's Anatomy, S1E6
Said most in Severance, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Mr. Robot
-
34
27.8 in 86 of 100 shows
loser
27.8 per million, in 86 of 100 shows.
-No, you're the loser, man. -Oh, I'm the loser, huh?
Cobra Kai, S1E1
Said most in Cobra Kai, The Bear, Brooklyn Nine-Nine
-
35
27.7 in 77 of 100 shows
scrub
27.7 per million, in 77 of 100 shows.
At the coffee shop, a couple of guys came in wearing scrubs.
Criminal Minds, S9E22
Said most in Grey's Anatomy, Scrubs, Love, Death & Robots
-
36
27.5 in 83 of 100 shows
candy
27.5 per million, in 83 of 100 shows.
Yes, Sergeant. It is unwise to give babies candy.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine, S1E9
Said most in Parks and Recreation, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Friends
-
37
27.1 in 79 of 100 shows
pie
27.1 per million, in 79 of 100 shows.
- I don't get it. - Short for scooter pie.
Scrubs, S1E10
Said most in Loki, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, Fargo
-
38
26.7 in 68 of 100 shows
roommate
26.7 per million, in 68 of 100 shows.
I do want roommates. We're together 100 hours a week.
Grey's Anatomy, S1E2
Said most in Wednesday, The Big Bang Theory, New Girl
-
39
26.6 in 76 of 100 shows
elevator
26.6 per million, in 76 of 100 shows.
Apparently, one of them pressed all the buttons on the elevator.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine, S1E5
Said most in Severance, Only Murders in the Building, Fallout
-
40
26.4 in 83 of 100 shows
pathetic
26.4 per million, in 83 of 100 shows.
I mean, that's absurd. I mean... that's just, uh... that's pathetic.
Grey's Anatomy, S3E6
Said most in Loki, The Boys, Euphoria
-
41
26.2 in 84 of 100 shows
paperwork
26.2 per million, in 84 of 100 shows.
Peter'd be gone by the time we finished the paperwork.
Criminal Minds, S2E2
Said most in The Wire, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Better Call Saul
-
42
25.2 in 71 of 100 shows
hunter
25.2 per million, in 71 of 100 shows.
the skinning technique used by hunters in Mongolia.
Arrow, S5E17
Said most in The Mandalorian, Supernatural, The Vampire Diaries
-
43
25.2 in 60 of 100 shows
dragon
25.2 per million, in 60 of 100 shows.
Should the dragon discover none but a man in great disguise.
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, S1E1
Said most in House of the Dragon, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, Game of Thrones
-
44
25.0 in 90 of 100 shows
pardon
25.0 per million, in 90 of 100 shows.
She's violating her pardon, isn't she?
24, S3E11
Said most in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, Boardwalk Empire, Game of Thrones
-
45
24.8 in 76 of 100 shows
creepy
24.8 per million, in 76 of 100 shows.
You're having creepy fun. I wish I was there.
Criminal Minds, S2E6
Said most in Wednesday, Community, The Vampire Diaries
-
46
24.7 in 40 of 100 shows
transplant few shows
24.7 per million, in 40 of 100 shows.
How much would you kill to be in on the transplant surgery?
Grey's Anatomy, S1E3
Said most in Grey's Anatomy, House, Scrubs
-
47
24.5 in 89 of 100 shows
sweat
24.5 per million, in 89 of 100 shows.
But he sweats. Deodorant could contain lanolin.
House, S1E8
Said most in Scrubs, Arrested Development, New Girl
-
48
24.5 in 78 of 100 shows
wolf
24.5 per million, in 78 of 100 shows.
"It's madness for the sheep to talk peace with a wolf."
Criminal Minds, S5E11
Said most in Yellowstone, Wednesday, Game of Thrones
-
49
24.2 in 52 of 100 shows
penis few shows
24.2 per million, in 52 of 100 shows.
they won't stop until there's a penis drawn on every cop car in Brooklyn.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine, S1E2
Said most in DAHMER - Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, New Girl, Two and a Half Men
-
50
24.1 in 84 of 100 shows
selfish
24.1 per million, in 84 of 100 shows.
Right, and then, she'll say, "You're a selfish man-pig"
Brooklyn Nine-Nine, S1E20
Said most in Euphoria, The Good Place, The Vampire Diaries
-
51
23.8 in 83 of 100 shows
scar
23.8 per million, in 83 of 100 shows.
No, wait... Mom said that there were scars, but...
Arrow, S1E2
Said most in True Detective, Hannibal, The Punisher
-
52
23.7 in 76 of 100 shows
tattoo
23.7 per million, in 76 of 100 shows.
In your face, girl with the negative tattoo!
Modern Family, S2E1
Said most in True Detective, Prison Break, The Vampire Diaries
-
53
23.4 in 87 of 100 shows
cage
23.4 per million, in 87 of 100 shows.
Now, when I think about my years in the cage... I miss it.
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., S1E4
Said most in You, Wednesday, Supernatural
-
54
23.2 in 87 of 100 shows
someday
23.2 per million, in 87 of 100 shows.
I dream about you going to college, getting married someday.
Heroes, S2E11
Said most in Westworld, Invincible, Once Upon a Time
-
55
23.0 in 93 of 100 shows
coward
23.0 per million, in 93 of 100 shows.
- How do you stomach it? - The men I hunt down are cowards.
Criminal Minds, S1E5
Said most in Love, Death & Robots, Shōgun, Game of Thrones
-
56
23.0 in 80 of 100 shows
garbage
23.0 per million, in 80 of 100 shows.
Hey, garbage girl, better not forget to wash your hands.
Criminal Minds, S2E7
Said most in Brooklyn Nine-Nine, The Good Place, The Sopranos
-
57
22.3 in 69 of 100 shows
cab
22.3 per million, in 69 of 100 shows.
I mean, I've, uh... Heh. You know, I've got a cab.
Friends, S2E7
Said most in How I Met Your Mother, Friends, Mad Men
-
58
22.1 in 84 of 100 shows
bump
22.1 per million, in 84 of 100 shows.
It's pretty simple. Cooper and I bumped into each other a few times.
Criminal Minds, S5E18
Said most in The Wire, Succession, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia
-
59
22.0 in 84 of 100 shows
someplace
22.0 per million, in 84 of 100 shows.
Keep it someplace inside so you can get to it easily.
Criminal Minds, S2E5
Said most in Fargo, Firefly, Sons of Anarchy
-
60
22.0 in 82 of 100 shows
lover
22.0 per million, in 82 of 100 shows.
You're a very attractive woman. I assumed you've had lovers.
Daredevil, S1E5
Said most in The Mentalist, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, Game of Thrones
-
61
21.7 in 59 of 100 shows
homicide few shows
21.7 per million, in 59 of 100 shows.
- I believe it's a case of "hero homicide." - What's that?
Criminal Minds, S1E6
Said most in The Wire, Dexter, Person of Interest
-
62
21.4 in 82 of 100 shows
duck
21.4 per million, in 82 of 100 shows.
Thank you, but ducks and Dorota couldn't compare to the Zen of shopping.
Gossip Girl, S4E9
Said most in The Bear, Friends, The Sopranos
-
63
21.2 in 70 of 100 shows
fairy
21.2 per million, in 70 of 100 shows.
You're right, and so what if my fairy godmother is my credit card?
Gossip Girl, S4E1
Said most in Once Upon a Time, True Blood, Outlander
-
64
21.0 in 62 of 100 shows
timeline
21.0 per million, in 62 of 100 shows.
You're forgetting that I'm not supposed to be in this timeline.
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., S5E12
Said most in Loki, The Umbrella Academy, The Flash
-
65
20.8 in 84 of 100 shows
break into
20.8 per million, in 84 of 100 shows.
If it's so easy for this gentleman to break into our system,
Brooklyn Nine-Nine, S1E9
Said most in Person of Interest, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Silo
-
66
20.6 in 85 of 100 shows
unbelievable
20.6 per million, in 85 of 100 shows.
- This is unbelievable. - Don't look at me. I just make it.
Boardwalk Empire, S2E10
Said most in Friends, DAHMER - Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, Two and a Half Men
-
67
20.5 in 77 of 100 shows
doll
20.5 per million, in 77 of 100 shows.
With a pair of scissors. You gonna make us some paper dolls?
American Horror Story, S1E5
Said most in True Detective, Firefly, Fargo
-
68
20.3 in 50 of 100 shows
abduct few shows
20.3 per million, in 50 of 100 shows.
to fight crime is the same notebook that got Walter abducted.
Arrow, S1E14
Said most in Criminal Minds, The Blacklist, Heroes
-
69
20.2 in 51 of 100 shows
forensic few shows
20.2 per million, in 51 of 100 shows.
Ed, get a forensic table to her room. Dust for prints.
24, S3E18
Said most in Dexter, The Mentalist, The Flash
-
70
19.9 in 71 of 100 shows
clown
19.9 per million, in 71 of 100 shows.
and show me what kind of clown you truly are.
American Horror Story, S4E2
Said most in Modern Family, American Horror Story, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia
-
71
19.9 in 87 of 100 shows
escort
19.9 per million, in 87 of 100 shows.
I'm a federal agent. I was escorting him out of the prison.
24, S3E5
Said most in Shōgun, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, The White Lotus
-
72
19.8 in 76 of 100 shows
addict
19.8 per million, in 76 of 100 shows.
I said I was an addict. I didn't say I had a problem.
House, S1E11
Said most in Euphoria, Jessica Jones, House
-
73
19.7 in 76 of 100 shows
chill
19.7 per million, in 76 of 100 shows.
She'll blow her end, and I'll be back home chilling in a week.
Shameless, S2E8
Said most in The Bear, The Good Place, New Girl
-
74
19.5 in 67 of 100 shows
cheat on
19.5 per million, in 67 of 100 shows.
- Are you sure? - I think I'd remember cheating on my wife.
House, S1E7
Said most in The White Lotus, Big Little Lies, Two and a Half Men
-
75
19.2 in 76 of 100 shows
nap
19.2 per million, in 76 of 100 shows.
Because you don't have to. You could just take a nap right here.
Friends, S2E7
Said most in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, The White Lotus, Two and a Half Men
-
76
19.2 in 71 of 100 shows
wallet
19.2 per million, in 71 of 100 shows.
Some guy dressed as a royal baby punched him and took his wallet.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine, S1E6
Said most in Mr. Robot, Better Call Saul, The Mentalist
-
77
19.1 in 84 of 100 shows
keep an eye on
19.1 per million, in 84 of 100 shows.
I need you to keep an eye on a woman named Sabrina Drake.
Person of Interest, S2E8
Said most in Reacher, Person of Interest, Sons of Anarchy
-
78
19.0 in 72 of 100 shows
nephew
19.0 per million, in 72 of 100 shows.
As the Laird's nephew and as a healthy man at arms, he has no choice.
Outlander, S1E4
Said most in Shōgun, The Sopranos, House of the Dragon
-
79
18.8 in 73 of 100 shows
bully
18.8 per million, in 73 of 100 shows.
This guy was the biggest bully in my high school,
Cobra Kai, S1E2
Said most in Big Little Lies, Cobra Kai, 13 Reasons Why
-
80
18.8 in 37 of 100 shows
cartel few shows
18.8 per million, in 37 of 100 shows.
If your father had been smart enough to work with the cartel...
Person of Interest, S3E1
Said most in Narcos, Ozark, Sons of Anarchy
-
81
18.7 in 62 of 100 shows
porn
18.7 per million, in 62 of 100 shows.
I've got two hours left on this brief. You're watching porn.
Jessica Jones, S3E3
Said most in Euphoria, Friends, Sons of Anarchy
-
82
18.7 in 56 of 100 shows
server few shows
18.7 per million, in 56 of 100 shows.
If we can't stop them, they'll be inside of our server in...
Brooklyn Nine-Nine, S6E14
Said most in Mr. Robot, 24, Person of Interest
-
83
18.4 in 91 of 100 shows
exhaust
18.4 per million, in 91 of 100 shows.
After everything you've been through, you must be exhausted.
Gotham, S4E3
Said most in Loki, The Mandalorian, Silo
-
84
18.4 in 91 of 100 shows
spit
18.4 per million, in 91 of 100 shows.
People just don't spit out their teeth all of a sudden.
Supernatural, S3E9
Said most in Fargo, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, The Boys
-
85
18.4 in 72 of 100 shows
coma
18.4 per million, in 72 of 100 shows.
Oh, never mind. What can I do for you and your coma patient?
Scrubs, S1E16
Said most in House, Wednesday, The Flash
-
86
18.3 in 90 of 100 shows
stick with
18.3 per million, in 90 of 100 shows.
Yeah, you're right. Let's stick with the wrong pill theory.
House, S1E3
Said most in Ted Lasso, Love, Death & Robots, Arcane
-
87
18.3 in 86 of 100 shows
shove
18.3 per million, in 86 of 100 shows.
You're the one that shoved it on me. What's your problem?
The Vampire Diaries, S1E19
Said most in Love, Death & Robots, The Good Place, The Boys
-
88
18.2 in 63 of 100 shows
drone
18.2 per million, in 63 of 100 shows.
Wait a minute. Was that your drone today? Were you spying on us?
Modern Family, S5E14
Said most in 24, Homeland, Westworld
-
89
18.1 in 80 of 100 shows
anytime
18.1 per million, in 80 of 100 shows.
We both know she's not gonna clean this mess up anytime soon.
The Flash, S1E10
Said most in Loki, Better Call Saul, Firefly
-
90
18.1 in 46 of 100 shows
boob few shows
18.1 per million, in 46 of 100 shows.
I've gained eight pounds, and not one ounce went to my boobs.
Two and a Half Men, S1E23
Said most in How I Met Your Mother, Two and a Half Men, New Girl
-
91
18.0 in 77 of 100 shows
traitor
18.0 per million, in 77 of 100 shows.
There's a good chance you'll be executed as a traitor.
24, S3E14
Said most in Game of Thrones, Shōgun, House of the Dragon
-
92
18.0 in 73 of 100 shows
con
18.0 per million, in 73 of 100 shows.
You think you're the first person that ever got conned?
Lost, S2E3
Said most in Prison Break, Lost, Fargo
-
93
18.0 in 71 of 100 shows
laundry
18.0 per million, in 71 of 100 shows.
Well, your laundry smelled so good that I thought I'd curl up in it.
Friends, S3E18
Said most in Breaking Bad, Orange Is the New Black, The Big Bang Theory
-
94
17.9 in 85 of 100 shows
erase
17.9 per million, in 85 of 100 shows.
we erase the memory to allow for a peaceful transition.
The Good Place, S1E1
Said most in Altered Carbon, The Good Place, Silo
-
95
17.8 in 50 of 100 shows
artery few shows
17.8 per million, in 50 of 100 shows.
significant bleeding, might have clipped an artery.
Homeland, S3E8
Said most in Grey's Anatomy, House, Dexter
-
96
17.8 in 78 of 100 shows
sober
17.8 per million, in 78 of 100 shows.
Any chance of you getting a job, now that you're sober?
Shameless, S1E8
Said most in The Umbrella Academy, Euphoria, Shameless
-
97
17.8 in 71 of 100 shows
champagne
17.8 per million, in 71 of 100 shows.
Then, when we do, we're going to open this bottle of champagne.
Grey's Anatomy, S4E14
Said most in How I Met Your Mother, Gossip Girl, Ted Lasso
-
98
17.5 in 63 of 100 shows
lame
17.5 per million, in 63 of 100 shows.
I used to say, "Don't go there," but that's lame.
The Office, S2E1
Said most in How I Met Your Mother, Rick and Morty, Community
-
99
17.4 in 61 of 100 shows
shooter
17.4 per million, in 61 of 100 shows.
That could reveal the shooter's signature behavior.
Criminal Minds, S1E6
Said most in Person of Interest, Reacher, The Wire
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100
17.4 in 77 of 100 shows
perimeter
17.4 per million, in 77 of 100 shows.
We watch the perimeter night and day and we wait.
The Walking Dead, S1E4
Said most in 24, The Mandalorian, The Walking Dead
How this was counted
The 100 shows are the hundred most popular titles in our ranking of TV shows by English difficulty. Together they are 9,239 episodes and 40,224,461 words of dialogue. Every word is counted by its dictionary form, the same way the app counts words: killers counts as killer, cookies as cookie, sneaking as sneak. Per million words means how many times the word appears in every million words of dialogue across all hundred shows, the unit word frequency lists use, so the numbers can be compared with any other frequency list.
The Oxford 5000 lists entries, a spelling with a part of speech and a level from A1 to C1. We converted each entry to the same dictionary form before comparing, so an entry like bored counts as covering bore, and a word is on this page only if no Oxford 5000 entry covers it. The Oxford lists are Oxford University Press's copyright, so this page reports what is missing from them and does not reproduce them.
The comparison with C1 sets each word against the Oxford 5000's own C1 words, the list's most advanced level, counted over the same hundred shows. The least common word on this page is still said more often than 91% of them.
Three kinds of word are left out. Sounds and fillers such as uh and hmm are not words. Spoken forms of a word the Oxford 5000 does teach are not gaps in it: mommy is mom, bro is brother, fella is fellow, babe is baby and outta is out of. And a few words are mostly a character's name or a quotation. Swear words and forms of address are not left out: they are counted and ranked like every other word, and turning them on puts each one back at its own place.
The same count, run on the shows you watch
Wordspotting finds the words you don't know in the shows you actually watch, from the subtitles, and shows them in the lines they were said in. Free to start.