What Does 'Charge It to the Underhills' Mean?
The phrase "charge it to the Underhills" is a humorous and memorable pop culture reference, signifying the act of passing on an expense or responsibility to someone else, often without their knowledge or consent. It implies taking advantage of a situation or an individual's perceived open tab or affluence.
Origin in the Movie Fletch
This iconic line originates from the 1985 comedy film Fletch, starring Chevy Chase as the titular investigative journalist, Irwin "Fletch" Fletcher. The scene that spawned the phrase is a classic example of Fletch's quick wit and audacious methods:
- The Setup: Fletch, while on an investigation, infiltrates a high-end country club.
- The Encounter: Inside, he overhears a wealthy, pompous character named Mr. Underhill being overly rude and abusive to a waiter.
- Fletch's Opportunism: Seizing the moment, Fletch decides to playfully exploit Mr. Underhill's ill-manners. He proceeds to order an extravagant meal, including multiple lobster dinners and bottles of expensive champagne.
- The Punchline: When asked for payment, Fletch confidently instructs the waiter to "charge it to the Underhills," implying that the arrogant man should foot the bill for Fletch's luxurious spread.
This scene perfectly encapsulates the film's comedic tone and Fletch's resourceful, albeit cheeky, approach to his work. The movie Fletch has become a cult classic, celebrated for its witty dialogue and Chase's improvisational style. For more details on the film, you can explore its Wikipedia page.
Broader Meaning and Usage
Beyond its cinematic origins, "charge it to the Underhills" has evolved into a colloquial expression used to imply a similar scenario in real life. When someone says, "charge it to the Underhills," they are typically suggesting:
- Freeloading: Getting something for free by having someone else pay for it.
- Passing the Buck: Shifting financial responsibility or blame onto another party.
- Exploiting Generosity (or Obliviousness): Taking advantage of another's financial standing, reputation, or inattention to avoid personal cost.
- A Lighthearted Gesture: Sometimes it's used humorously, as a playful way to say someone else will cover the costs, or as an offer to "be the Underhill" themselves. For example, in the TV show Ted Lasso, Ted famously says, "I'll be your Underhill," volunteering to take on a burden or cost for someone else, embracing the spirit of the reference.
Examples in Conversation:
- "Don't worry about the tab tonight, we'll just charge it to the Underhills!" (Meaning: Someone else will pay, or we'll pretend someone else is paying.)
- "That new project went way over budget, but I'm sure the higher-ups will just charge it to the Underhills." (Meaning: The company will absorb the cost, or someone else will be blamed.)
- "I know you're stressed about finding a solution, but sometimes you just have to charge it to the Underhills and let someone else handle it." (Meaning: Let someone else take responsibility or deal with the problem.)
The phrase resonates because it taps into a universal desire to escape accountability or enjoy something at another's expense, all with a dash of cleverness and rebellion.
