Cowabunga It Is – Meaning, Origin and Usage

ByRichard Barker Updated:

Have you ever heard the phrase ‘cowabunga it is’ and been clueless as to what it might mean? Or have you seen the phrase used in a meme? If so, you’re in luck…

I’m going to lay out everything you need to know about the phrase, starting with what it actually means, then doing a deep dive into the origin of the phrase. I’ll explain how and when to use the phrase, and give you a few alternative phrases that you can use in its place if you so wish, and wrap up with a brief conclusion. Here goes…

What is the meaning of the phrase ‘cowabunga it is’?

The phrase ‘cowabunga it is’ is used to express your excitement and enthusiasm for a task, project or some other challenge at hand. It conveys feeling ready to throw caution to the wind and a readiness to dive into the matter no matter what, even if it means getting into trouble. It symbolises a carefree attitude.

What is the origin of the phrase ‘cowabunga it is’?

The word ‘cowabunga’ became especially popular during the 1990s, when it was frequently used by cartoon characters (and later film characters) in the hit TV series and film series Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

The phrase was a kind of trademark for the turtle character Michaelangelo who used such surfing dialect to express his excitement and enthusiasm (usually for pizza).

That’s not where the word ‘cowabunga’ first originated from however. Bill LeCornec was the first to coin the word, and he spoke it in the “Howdy Doody Show”.

The full phrase ‘cowabunga it is’ is also from the 1990s, but not through Michaelangelo and the other Teenage Mutant Hero Turtles. The phrase first appeared in the Power Rangers cartoon series, specifically the 4th episode titled “Power Rangers in Space” in 2012.

The phrase began trending when it was used by people on 4Chan and Reddit who used it in memes featuring Michaelangelo’s face with the caption ‘cowabunga it is’. Then by 2018, the meme had swept through to the online gaming platform Twitch as well.

How and when can you say ‘cowabunga it is’?

There are many instances where the phrase ‘cowabunga it is’. Some examples may include preparing for an exam or a driving test, breaking up a bar fight, and so on.

Here follows a few examples of the phrase in use:

  • Just look at those waves dude – cowabunga it is!
  • My first time skiing – oh well, cowabunga it is!
  • Never done bungee jumping before – cowabunga it is!
  • Pass me my parachute – cowabunga it is!
  • Cowabunga it is – I’m gonna smash this exam!
  • Cooking Christmas dinner for 10 people is going to be a challenge, but, hey, cowabunga it is.
  • Ha ha, I’m feeling so reckless right now – cowabunga it is!
  • Ha ha, let them try and catch me – cowabunga it is.
  • Go drinking with fake ID? Cowabunga it is!
  • Ten points down and only 20 minutes to go in the game? Hope the other team’s ready for this, because cowabunga it is.

What are some other ways of saying ‘cowabunga it is’?

Since the word ‘cowabunga’ is still very much considered a 1990s term, these days the phrase is primarily used by millennials and gamers. Much of generation z won’t be familiar with it. So, depending on who you’re speaking with me, you may wish to use an alternative phrase.

Here are some examples of phrases you can use in place of ‘cowabunga it is’:

  • I’m so excited to get started on it
  • Let’s go baby
  • Well, you only live once as they say
  • Nothing’s gonna stop me now
  • Let’s do this
  • Let’s smash it

Final thoughts

So, to sum up, while the word ‘cowabunga’ was first used on the “Howdy Doody Show”, it didn’t really become popular until the 1990s when it was frequently used by the character Michaelangelo of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. 

That said, the full phrase ‘cowabunga it is’ wasn’t used until 2012, when it was used by a character in the hit TV show Power Rangers. The phrase then became a popular meme, combined with the face of a grinning Michaelangelo turtle featuring the caption ‘cowabunga it is’. This first became popular on 4Chan and Reddit, before later becoming popular with the online gaming community and the gaming platform Twitch in the year 2018.

You can use the phrase ‘cowabunga it is’ to declare your readiness or excitement for taking on a challenge. There are many instances when you can use this phrase in everyday conversation or in gaming chat or on social media in the form of memes.

But, you’d do well to remember that the phrase isn’t too well known among certain generations, and often times an alternative phrase may be of more use to you.

Richard is an English teacher with over 25 years of experience. He has dedicated his life and career to his passion for English, literature, and pedagogy, guiding multiple generations of students on their journey to discovery.