Seinfeld: The 8 George Costanza Outbursts That Make Us Laugh-Cry
George Costanza inherited his father, Frank's, propensity for rage. The father-son duo often overreacted over little disappointments and spoke unkindly to people.
George's obnoxious and overbearing personality traits resulted in huge personal losses for him. But lucky for his fans, they got to witness some rage-filled moments of pure comedy. Anyone who crossed George's path can vouch that he was defensive, took no responsibility, and in doing so, George Costanza only got worse and worse over time. Regardless, he was also the most-nuanced character on Seinfeld, and there are many hilarious Costanza Jr. outbursts that live rent-free in fans' heads.
Season 9's "The Strike" reveals that Frank, out of disillusionment with America's brand of consumerism, invented the holiday of Festivus. It is celebrated on December 23rd as an alternative to Christmas. While he cherishes the meme-inspiring holiday on Seinfeld, his son doesn't share the same sentiment.
Festivus brings back some unwanted childhood memories for Costanza Jr., some of which Frank has on tape. As Frank presses the play button, George grabs his head and yells, "No! No! Turn it off ... I hate Festivus!" out loud. He runs away from the cafe and fans love this slapstick bit from the episode.
George speaks like a true Pepsi spokesperson in season 5's "The Dinner Party." He suggests they go empty-handed because to him an invitation doesn't necessarily mean they need to bring something. When Elaine explains how the fabric of society works, George argues against the go-to dinner party gift, wine. "I just don't like the idea that anytime there's a dinner invitation, there's this annoying little chore that goes along with it," he cries.
Jerry deals with his cheapskate friend by reminding him he's starting to be an annoying little chore himself. Fans love the hilarity of the situation as the chemistry between Seinfeld and Costanza unfolds on screen.
The never-ending wait for a table and George's epic rant are among the classic moments in Seinfeld's "The Chinese Restaurant episode." All throughout the episode, he, and his friends wait to be seated at the overcrowded, Hunan 5th Avenue.
Elaine is hungrier than usual and George tries to call his girlfriend, Tatiana, to invite her to join them. The restaurant's payphone is first occupied by a man, and then a woman picks it up before George. All of this causes him to yell, "You know, we're living in a society! We're supposed to act in a civilized way!" George wants people to display sensitivity over the problems of a fellow citizen, and scores himself a truly hilarious scene.
George loses his temper when he hears Gwen use the whole 'It's not you. It's me,' routine to break up with him. In "The Lip Reader," he suspects she dumped him because she saw him gorging on a hot-fudge sundae at a tennis game on TV. Gwen uses the classic excuse to get out of the relationship, and Costanza Jr. responds with, "You're giving me the 'It's not you, it's me' routine? I invented 'It's not you, it's me!' Nobody tells me it's them, not me. If it's anybody, it's me!"
When Gwen does finally admit that George is the cause of their breakup, he proudly says nobody knows the routine better than him. It's quite a spectacle for Seinfeld fans to watch George take pride in being broken up with.
In "The Apology," George revealed he'd nursed a grudge against an old acquaintance, whom he liked to call "Stanky Hanke." The man, actually named Jason Hanke, was enrolled in an AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) program in the episode. He was making amends for his misdeeds and had sought Elaine's forgiveness for standing her up on a date. Meanwhile, George desperately awaited his apology and expected him to come crawling back to him.
But the story had a background and not a pleasant one. Years ago, Hanke had embarrassed George at his party by refusing to lend him his cashmere sweater. He'd openly admitted he didn't want George stretching out the sweater neck hole, and everybody had laughed. This little reveal got Elaine and Jerry discussing whether Hanke's cause of concern was the size of George's head or neck. Elaine concluded it must have been his head, and George instantly yelled back, "It was the neck!" The episode proves that Jason Alexander had mastered and redefined comic timing during the nine years of Seinfeld.
George petitions for Hanke's sponsor to intervene, who in turn, senses his aggression and brings him to Rageholics Anonymous, instead.
George completely flips out when he doesn't see Hanke at the RA meeting and yells, "I am not here for rage. I am here for revenge!" He believes he's owed an apology and causes an uproar. George's, "I'm losin' it" admission is the funniest quote in the entire episode, and is also the subject of a hilarious George Costanza meme.
George has no respect for Kramer's lifestyle and in "The Visa," he makes a no-holds-barred speech about it. He resents how Kramer manages his stay afloat despite his joblessness or has the resources to attend a baseball fantasy camp. Once again, he goes on an epic rant and says, "People should plunk down $2,000 dollars to live like him [Kramer] for a week."
Truth be told, George isn't wrong, especially when he points out that the K-man does nothing for a living and mooches food off his neighbors without a care. Kramer's way of life baffles Seinfeld fans and they are completely on George's side here.
Few Seinfeld characters can deliver an insult as witheringly as Mr. Costanza. In "The Baby Shower," he uses the words, "Ich bin ein sucker!" (German for "I am a sucker") on Elaine when he finds out she's throwing a baby shower for Leslie (one of his worst dates ever). George thinks the woman doesn't deserve a baby shower but, instead, a baby monsoon.
There's obviously a bit to unpack here. George went out with Leslie years ago. She'd shot him on the chest with chocolate sauce and left with another man. The incident left George traumatized and he obviously didn't want one of his best friends catering to her. He got up from the seat and scoffed at Elaine upon hearing she was incapable of saying no to Leslie.