Dave Chappelle

Comedian

Contemporary influential 164 sayings

Sayings by Dave Chappelle

The language you are about to hear… is disturbing.

2000 (Killin' Them Softly) — Often used as an introductory warning for his stand-up specials.
Shocking Unverifiable

I'm Dave Chappelle and I'm a chronic masturbator.

2000 (Killin' Them Softly) — Outrageous and shocking personal revelation from a stand-up routine.
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I think every group of black guys should have at least one white guy in it.

2001 (AV Club interview) — Controversial and humorous racial observation from stand-up.
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They got a character on there named Oscar, they treat this guy like shit the entire show. They judge him right in his face, 'Oscar, you are so mean! Isn't he kids?' 'Yeah, Oscar! You're a grouch!' It's like, 'Bitch! I live in a fucking TRASHCAN!'

2021 (cited in article) — Outrageous and humorous commentary on 'Sesame Street' from a stand-up routine.
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You can become famous, but you can't become unfamous. You can become infamous, but not unfamous.

2021 (cited in article) — Observation on the nature of fame.
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Weed's not as bad as everything else, 'cause weed is a background substance. You know what I mean? You can smoke some herb and still function. You ain't crisp… but you'll function.

2021 (cited in article) — Defense of marijuana use from a stand-up routine.
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I'm not smoking crack. I'm definitely stressed out.

2021 (cited in article) — Humorous denial of crack use, implying stress.
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I would go to work on the show and I felt awful every day, that's not the way it was. I felt like some kind of prostitute or something. If I feel so bad, why keep on showing up to this place? I'm going to Africa.

2006 (New York Times interview) — Explaining his reasons for leaving 'Chappelle's Show'.
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The only way you can know where the line is, is if you cross it.

2021 (cited in article) — Philosophical statement on pushing boundaries in comedy.
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All white people talk about when they get high is other times that they got high.

2021 (cited in article) — Outrageous and humorous racial observation from stand-up.
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Every Black American is bilingual. All of them. We speak street vernacular and we speak 'job interview.'

2006 (NPR interview) — Insightful and humorous observation on code-switching in the Black community.
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What did the five fingers say to the face? SLAP!

2003-2006 (Chappelle's Show) — Iconic line from 'Chappelle's Show'.
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The worst thing to call somebody is crazy. It's dismissive. 'I don't understand this person. So they're crazy.' That's bullshit. These people are not crazy. They strong people. Maybe their environment is a little sick.

2006 (NPR interview) — Profound social commentary on mental health and labeling.
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To what extent do I have to participate in your self image?

Not specified — Thought-provoking question on personal identity and societal expectations.
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Everybody gets mad because I say these jokes, but you gotta understand that this is the best time to say them. More now than ever, (...) you have a responsibility to speak recklessly. Otherwise, my kids may never know what reckless talk sounds like. The joys of being wrong. I didn't come here to be right.

Not specified — Controversial stance on comedy, free speech, and pushing boundaries.
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Lady, I'm just a nigga that loves titties.

Not specified — Crude and outrageous self-description from a stand-up routine.
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I wish I had more hands, so I could give those titties four thumbs down!

2003-2006 (Chappelle's Show) — Crude and outrageous humor from a stand-up routine.
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Is this the 5:00 Free Crack Giveaway?

2000 (Killin' Them Softly) — Dark humor from a stand-up routine.
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Somebody broke into my house once, this is a good time to call the police, but mm mm, nope. The house was too nice. It was a real nice house, but they'd never believe i lived in it. They'd be like 'He's still here!'

2000 (Killin' Them Softly) — Shocking and insightful racial commentary on policing and stereotypes.
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New white people, you can't scare these white people, I tried.

2003-2006 (Chappelle's Show) — Outrageous and humorous racial observation from stand-up.
Shocking Unverifiable