Yippie Kayak Other Buckets: The Definitive Breakdown Of Brooklyn Nine-Nine’s Most Beloved Misquote

Every true fan of Brooklyn Nine-Nine knows the phrase. It’s a battle cry, a holiday greeting, and the perfect summation of a character’s endearing awkwardness. The line, “Yippie Kayak other buckets!” is not just a hilarious misquote; it is the glorious, crowning moment of the show's best Christmas episode and a cornerstone of the legendary friendship between Detectives Jake Peralta and Charles Boyle. In late 2025, years after the show concluded, this phrase remains one of the most quoted and meme-able moments from the entire series, cementing its place in comedy history.

The enduring popularity of the line speaks volumes about the show's masterful blend of high-stakes action and character-driven comedy. It perfectly captures the essence of Boyle’s well-meaning but often clumsy persona, all while paying tribute to Jake Peralta’s favorite movie. This is the complete, up-to-date analysis of the episode, the characters, and the cultural legacy of the moment that made Charles Boyle a true action hero—or at least, a hero in training.

The Die Hard Homage: Unpacking the "Yippie Kayak" Episode

The iconic phrase originates from the Season 3, Episode 10 of Brooklyn Nine-Nine, appropriately titled "Yippie Kayak." The episode originally aired on December 13, 2015, and is widely regarded as one of the series’ best holiday specials.

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Episode and Character Entities

To fully appreciate the episode, one must understand the key players and the premise:

• Jake Peralta (Andy Samberg): The show’s protagonist, a detective whose entire personality is built around his love for Die Hard, which he insists is the greatest Christmas movie ever made.
• Charles Boyle (Joe Lo Truglio): Jake’s best friend and partner, whose attempts to emulate Jake often result in charming failure.
• Gina Linetti (Chelsea Peretti): The precinct's civilian administrator, whose presence adds a layer of detached, hilarious commentary to the high-stakes situation.
• The Plot: On Christmas Eve, Jake, Boyle, and Gina are trapped in a massive big-box store while shopping for last-minute gifts. The store is taken over by a gang of robbers, forcing the trio to become accidental heroes.
• The Homage: The entire scenario is a direct, loving parody of the 1988 action film Die Hard, which stars Bruce Willis as the wisecracking hero, John McClane, who takes on terrorists in Nakatomi Plaza. The big-box store serves as B99’s Nakatomi Plaza.

Jake is ecstatic, seeing his childhood dream come true: he finally gets to be John McClane. He spends the episode trying to channel the action hero, taking off his shoes, crawling through vents, and coordinating with the outside world—namely, Sergeant Terry Jeffords (Terry Crews) and Captain Raymond Holt (Andre Braugher).

The Genius of Charles Boyle’s Misquote

The punchline, the phrase that launched a thousand GIFs, comes at the climax of the episode. Jake, having been captured, is rescued by Boyle, who has been trying to play the hero role for his friend.

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The Original Line vs. The Boyle Version

The legendary line Jake is trying to recreate is John McClane’s famous, uncensored taunt to the villain Hans Gruber: “Yippee ki-yay, motherf***er!”

However, when Boyle bursts in to save the day, he attempts to deliver the iconic catchphrase but gets it spectacularly wrong, shouting the now-immortal phrase: “Yippie Kayak other buckets!”

The brilliance of this comedic moment lies in several layers of humor:

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• Character Consistency: Boyle is known for his eccentricities and his inability to grasp pop culture references fully, despite his intense desire to bond with Jake. The misquote is perfectly in line with his character.
• The Disappointment of Jake: Jake Peralta’s reaction—a mix of pride for his friend and utter horror at the botched quote—is priceless. His fantasy of a perfect Die Hard moment is ruined in the most charmingly Boyle way possible.
• Network Censorship Parody: The line satirizes the way classic movie quotes are often sanitized for television. By turning the expletive-laden phrase into a nonsensical, family-friendly version, the show delivers a witty meta-commentary on TV standards.

The Enduring Legacy of a Botched Catchphrase

Years after "Yippie Kayak" aired, the phrase has become a celebrated part of the show’s canon. It’s more than just a funny line; it's a shorthand for the show's unique comedic voice and its focus on the deep, supportive relationship between the members of the 99th Precinct.

Topical Authority: B99’s Die Hard Obsession

The "Yippie Kayak" episode is just one chapter in Brooklyn Nine-Nine's long-running love affair with Die Hard. Jake Peralta’s obsession with the film is a recurring gag throughout the series, serving as a key entity for his character development and a source of numerous jokes.

• "Welcome to the party, pal": Jake frequently uses this other famous McClane line.
• Badge Number: Jake's police badge number, 483, is a direct nod to the fictional Nakatomi Plaza, which is located at 483 Nakatomi Plaza in Los Angeles.
• The Vulture: The episode also features the return of the antagonistic detective, Keith "The Vulture" Pembroke, as the villain in the B-plot, where he attempts to steal the credit for the team's work, further complicating the precinct's Christmas Eve.

The show's creators, Dan Goor and Michael Schur, masterfully wove these references into the fabric of the show, ensuring that the "Yippie Kayak" episode felt earned and deeply connected to Jake’s character arc. The episode also features a subplot where Amy Santiago (Melissa Fumero) attempts to prove to Captain Holt that she is capable of handling a low-stakes task, further showcasing the ensemble cast's talent.

Why the Line Still Resonates in 2025

In the current media landscape, where nostalgia and re-watching beloved comfort shows are prevalent, "Yippie Kayak other buckets!" has not faded. Its continued relevance is due to its perfect comedic timing and its ability to summarize the Boyle-Peralta dynamic.

The misquote is a moment of pure, unadulterated Charles Boyle. He is not the cool, action-star John McClane, but he is the loyal, determined, and slightly ridiculous partner who shows up for his friend when it matters most. The line is a testament to the show's core theme: that being a good person and a loyal friend is more important than being a cool action hero.

For fans everywhere, the phrase is a joyous reminder of the show’s warmth and its ability to find humor in the most intense situations. It’s a perfect piece of television writing, a classic example of how a simple character flaw can produce an unforgettable, timeless catchphrase. So, the next time you watch a holiday movie or find yourself in a tricky situation, remember Boyle’s words of wisdom—Yippie Kayak, other buckets!