What is yippee ki yay?

"Yippee-ki-yay" is a popular catchphrase associated with the Die Hard film franchise, starring Bruce Willis as John McClane. The full phrase is "Yippee-ki-yay, motherfucker!" It's typically used by McClane as a defiant exclamation or a boast after overcoming a challenge, often directed at the villains he faces.

The origin of the phrase is often attributed to old western films and radio shows. It's a playful, exaggerated cowboy yell, evoking a sense of the Wild West. In Die Hard, its use becomes a signature of McClane's sarcastic and irreverent attitude, setting him apart from the more serious and calculating antagonists.

The phrase's memorability and impact stem from its unexpectedness within the action film context and its use as a symbol of McClane's rebellious spirit. While often censored or altered in broadcast versions due to its profanity, "Yippee-ki-yay" has become a widely recognized and quoted line, deeply ingrained in pop culture. Its enduring appeal makes it a shorthand reference to action movies and the quintessential "one-liner" delivered in moments of triumph.