Shouting “Run Forrest, Run!” At Joggers Never Gets Old, Finds Report

A QUOTE from the Academy Award winning movie “Forrest Gump” has topped the poll of random shit to yell at total strangers for the tenth year in a row, according to the latest figures from the Central Statistics Office.

The phrase “Run Forrest, Run!”, first uttered in the 1994 classic, remains the most popular thing to shout at anyone moving faster than walking speed, with joggers and people trying to catch busses being the most popular recipients.

Originally delivered by Forrest’ girlfriend Jenny in a scene where local youths attempt to assault the disabled young boy, the catchphrase entered the lexicon soon after the movie’s release, and despite the passing of over two decades the line is still used hundreds of times per day. In almost all instances, the line is shouted on the street by total strangers, usually humourless individuals who are trying to appear hilarious in front of their mates.

“It’s a testament to the writers of that line, how well it has stood up to the test of time, ” said Martin O’Brien, spokesperson for the CSO.

“Personally, I believe it’s all in the simplicity of the phrase; three simple words, and two of those are the same. It doesn’t matter that the name of the character is used in the middle, as ‘Forrest’ has become synonymous with derision, in much the same was as ‘Christie’ was in the 80’s”.

“As you are usually shouting the line at someone who is moving fast, the shortness of the quote is what sets it aside from other, perhaps more suitable quotes. You might want to yell at a jogger and slag him off for his choice of attire or his running posture, or perhaps his weight problems, but that would require longer sentences which he might not hear. ‘Run, Forrest, Run’ is short, sweet and ideal for letting somebody know that you wish to comment on the fact that they are running”.

Further analysis of the data available show that “Run Forrest, Run” is highly popular among the under-20s demographic, despite the fact that many of the younger users have never seen the movie Forrest Gump, or are aware of its existence.

With younger people making up the bulk of the smart-arse market, these figures suggest that RFR will remain on top for years to come, although yelling “Should have gone to Specsavers” at people wearing glasses has recently gained significant ground.