Are you a Parks and Recreation fan? Then, chances are one of your favorite characters is the ornery Ron Swanson. Ron Swanson quotes are easily one of the funniest and best parts of the show due to his strong stances on society, personal resolve, and overall hilarious personality.
If you’re looking for the best of the best Ron Swanson quotes, we’ve got you covered. Below you’ll find ten of the funniest Ron Swanson quotes to date. Keep reading below to learn more!
FAQ
Are you confused about who Ron Swanson is? Don’t worry, below we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help answer any inquiries you might have. We’ll explore everything from what Parks and Recreation is to why it’s so popular!
What Is Parks and Recreation?
Who Is Ron Swanson?
Why Is Parks and Recreation So Popular?
Where Can You Watch Parks and Recreation?
Believability and Politics
The political climate created for this show was thoroughly researched across a wide range of platforms. Not only did the writers study California politics, but they also consulted with elected officials to ensure utmost accuracy and believability. After the initial season aired, many people felt the lead, Leslie Knope played by Amy Poehler came across as unintelligent and too silly.
After the initial criticism, the writers incorporated their research into the show to make it more smart, timely, and serious. In season two, you can start to see some episodic events inspired by the financial crisis of 2007 and 2008. You’ll even see real-life politicians stopping by for an episode or two to make an appearance, such as Joe Biden, John McCain, Michelle Obama, Us Senator Barbara Boxer, and more.
How We Reviewed the Best Ron Swanson Quotes
Our list of the top ten funniest Ron Swanson quotes was extensively researched across all seasons of the television show. We wanted to ensure we selected a mix of quotes that were not only hilarious but that accurately represented the character himself. Additionally, we took into account the popularity of these quotes. Some of the quotes are so renowned that almost everyone will know what you’re referring to.
“There’s only one thing I hate more than lying: skim milk.
Which is water that is lying about being milk.”
If there was ever a quote to sum up Ron Swanson’s existence, it just might be this one. He almost always has strong opinions when it comes to food and drink. That’s what makes Ron so lovable and quotable.
Season & Episode: Season 5: Partridge
“I’d wish you the best of luck, but I believe luck is a concept created by the weak to explain their failures.”
Did we mention that Ron Swanson quotes would show off his darling personality? This is a classic quote that gives insight into the complexity of Ron’s relationships. He wants to be supportive but always in his own way.
Season & Episode: Season 6: Second Chunce
“Dear frozen yogurt, you are the celery of desserts. Be ice cream or be nothing. Zero stars.”
This is one of the Ron Swanson quotes that gets funnier the more you read it. Aside from the fact that Ron is once again showcasing his dislike for popular culture, he is forever sharing how he feels about food choices. The zero star rating just adds to the hilarity.
Season & Episode: Season 6: Anniversaries
“Child labor laws are ruining this country.”
One of the more politically incorrect Ron Swanson quotes to date has to be this one. Ron Swanson never pretends to be anything other than his authentic self. That much remains to be true in this telling and darkly humorous quote.
Season & Episode: Season 2: The Camel
“I’m not interested in caring about people.”
Talk about a zinger; this Ron Swanson quote lets you in on how he really feels. Although Ron doesn’t like caring about people, sometimes he just can’t help it. That’s what makes Ron so hilarious and lovable.
Season & Episode: Season 3: Flu Season
“Clear alcohols are for rich women on diets.”
Are you starting to see the pattern of food and drink preferences? Ron Swanson is particular about natural foods and dark liquors. You would never catch him eating a salad and drinking a martini.
Season & Episode: Season 4: Win, Lose, or Draw
“Crying:
Acceptable at funerals and the Grand Canyon.”
Did we mention that Ron Swanson is completely emotionally unavailable? Crying is not an acceptable emotional response for most things in Ron’s world. The only places he’ll allow it is the Grand Canyon and funerals.
Season & Episode: Season 3: Go Big or Go Home
“There are three acceptable haircuts:
high and tight, crew cut, buzz cut.”
Did we mention that Ron Swanson quotes also covered fashion? Of course, this opinionated man has something to say about each subject. This quote showcases what he finds appropriate for men’s haircuts.
Season & Episode: Season 4: Bowling for Votes
“There are only three ways to motivate people: money, fear, and hunger.”
Ron Swanson’s military, strict personality bleeds itself into every aspect of his life. It makes you wonder what this man has seen to justify some of his stories or quotes. For example, the quote above, you can’t help but wonder how he knows this.
Season & Episode: Season 5: Article Two
“On my deathbed, my final wish is to have my
ex-wives rush to my side so I can use my dying breath to tell them both to go to hell one last time.”
One of the funniest Ron Swanson quotes is the one about his deathbed and his ex-wives. This quote will really strike a chord with you if you have an ex-wife. After all, there’s nothing funnier than Ron and his interactions with his ex-wives.
Season & Episode: Season 2: Ron and Tammy
Our Favorite
Now that you’ve learned all about Parks and Recreation and the lovable libertarian that is Ron Swanson, you’re ready to start sharing quotes! We simply picked the ten quotes we felt represented Ron Swanson the best and that made us laugh the most. If we had to pick an all-time favorite it has to go to the very last quote on our list.
The Winner:
The Ron Swanson quote that wins the first place spot of the best quote is: “On my deathbed, my final wish is to have my ex-wives rush to my side so I can use my dying breath to tell them both to go to hell one last time.” The reason this quote nails the number one spot is not only due to the hilarity but due to how well it shows us who Ron Swanson is.
Throughout the series, Ron’s character struggles with his relationships with his ex-wives. The ex-wives, to his credit, are very trying and mean-spirited women. In all actuality, one of Ron Swanson’s ex-wives is named Tammy. Believe it or not, Tammy is played by Megan Mullally, Nick Offerman’s (the man who plays Ron Swanson) actual wife. This quote also helps showcase his hard shell and helps you appreciate the few personal relationships he has within the show that much more.
The best part about Parks and Recreation is the re-watchability. Having so many episodes and over six seasons, you can easily watch an episode a night and have many evenings of laughter and fun. We highly recommend Parks and Recreation if you’re a fan of the American version of The Office. Parks and Recreation has a similar, casual, slice-of-life feeling. Both television shows are perfect for nonchalant viewing.
Many of the more popular Parks and Recreation quotes can be found on mugs, t-shirts, and more for you to bring the laughter with you. Just don’t binge the seasons too fast or you’ll find yourself desperate for more. Luckily, you can re-watch again and again. Go ahead and re-watch this series to make your own top ten list of quotes for your favorite characters!
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