Elmer Fudd's Most Famous Quotes

Elmer Fudd is one of the most recognizable characters in the Looney Tunes universe. With his unmistakable voice, hunting cap, and a knack for mispronouncing his “r’s,” Elmer has delighted audiences for generations. His simple yet memorable lines have become cultural touchstones, often quoted in pop culture and used in everyday humor. While Elmer may be a bit bumbling, his words carry a charm that’s hard to forget. Below are some of his most famous quotes, complete with context and the moments that made them iconic.

"Be vewy, vewy quiet. I'm hunting wabbits."

This line is arguably Elmer Fudd’s most famous quote and has become synonymous with stealth and focus. It first appeared in the 1958 animated short What's Opera, Doc?, directed by Chuck Jones. In this parody of Wagnerian opera, Elmer dons a Viking-like costume and delivers the line as he sets out to track down Bugs Bunny. The exaggerated pronunciation of “very” and “rabbits” adds to the comedic effect, and the line has since been referenced in countless movies, TV shows, and memes.

"Shhh! This is a tewwible twagedy."

Also from What's Opera, Doc?, this quote is delivered when Elmer believes he has finally caught Bugs Bunny, only to realize he's holding a disguised opera singer. The line captures Elmer’s dramatic flair and the absurdity of the situation. It’s a moment of mistaken identity that perfectly encapsulates the cartoon’s operatic tone and Elmer’s over-the-top personality.

"I'ww get you, my pretty, and your wittwe dog, too!"

Though often associated with the Wicked Witch of the West from The Wizard of Oz, this line is also famously uttered by Elmer Fudd in the 1957 short What's Opera, Doc? (again). In the cartoon, Elmer sings this line as he pursues Bugs Bunny through a dramatic and whimsical opera setting. The borrowing of the line from The Wizard of Oz adds a layer of parody, showcasing the Looney Tunes’ knack for clever pop culture references.

"Eh, what's up, doc?"

Though this line is more commonly associated with Bugs Bunny, Elmer Fudd has also delivered it in various episodes, usually when he’s about to spring a trap on the clever rabbit. The casual greeting-turned-threat is part of the back-and-forth banter between the two characters, highlighting the comedic tension that defines their encounters.

"Oh, you shouwdn't have twied to outsmart me."

This line is a recurring theme in Elmer’s showdowns with Bugs Bunny. It often comes after Elmer believes he’s finally outwitted the rabbit, only for Bugs to turn the tables in a classic Looney Tunes twist. The quote reflects Elmer’s occasional smugness and the inevitable comeuppance that follows.

"You know, this is a vewy, vewy twicky situation."

Elmer delivers this line in moments of confusion or when he’s caught in a complicated scenario, usually of his own making. It highlights his earnestness and the comedic irony of his overestimation of his own cleverness. The quote is a favorite among fans for its understated humor and Elmer’s sincere delivery.

If you'd like to hear Elmer Fudd deliver these lines himself — and maybe even share some new thoughts on hunting rabbits — you can chat with him directly on HoloDream.