'Wear a mask,' 'I can't breathe' top list of most notable quotes of 2020
Dr. Anthony Fauci's call to "wear a mask" and George Floyd's plea that he "can't breathe" have topped a list of the most notable 2020 quotes.
Yale Law School librarian Fred Shapiro has released his annual list of the year's most notable quotes as an update to The Yale Book of Quotations, and at the top of it was "wear a mask," said by Fauci in a May CNN interview, The Associated Press reports. Next was "I can't breathe," which Floyd said many times before his killing in police custody.
Third was President Trump's assertion in February that COVID-19 will "disappear" like a "miracle," and at number four was another from Trump: the president's infamous suggestion in April that disinfectants could be injected into the body to cure the coronavirus. Coming in at number five was White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany's promise during her first briefing in May that "I will never lie to you." Another McEnany quote from July, that "the science should not stand in the way" of re-opening schools, was number eight.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg's "fervent wish" to "not be replaced until a new president is installed," which she dictated in a statement prior to her death, was the sixth most notable quote, while the seventh was President-elect Joe Biden's controversial remark during the campaign that those who aren't sure whether to vote for him or Trump "ain't Black." Biden calling a student a "lying dog-faced pony soldier" at an event was also number nine on the list.
Finally, rounding out the list at number ten was "we are all Lakers today," a quote from Los Angeles Clippers coach Doc Rivers following Kobe Bryant's death. Last year's list of notable quotes included Trump asking the president of Ukraine to "do us a favor," Biden in a gaffe saying poor kids are "just as talented as white kids," and a memorable line from Avengers: Endgame: "I love you 3000."
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.
-
The best homes of the year
Feature Featuring a grand turret entrance in New York and built-in glass elevator in Arizona
By The Week Staff Published
-
Nordstrom family, investor to take retail chain private
Speed Read The business will be acquired by members of the family and El Puerto de Liverpool, a Mexican real estate company
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Biden commutes most federal death sentences
Speed Read The president downgraded the punishment of 37 of 40 prisoners on death row to life in prison without parole
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Nobody seems surprised Wagner's Prigozhin died under suspicious circumstances
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published
-
Western mountain climbers allegedly left Pakistani porter to die on K2
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published
-
'Circular saw blades' divide controversial Rio Grande buoys installed by Texas governor
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published
-
Los Angeles city workers stage 1-day walkout over labor conditions
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published
-
Mega Millions jackpot climbs to an estimated $1.55 billion
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia Published
-
Bangladesh dealing with worst dengue fever outbreak on record
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia Published
-
Glacial outburst flooding in Juneau destroys homes
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia Published
-
Scotland seeking 'monster hunters' to search for fabled Loch Ness creature
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published