Welcome Back, Kotter - Characters and Catchphrases - Arnold Horshack

Arnold Horshack

(Ron Palillo)
The class clown of the Sweathogs, completely comfortable with his oddball, if naïve, personality. Horshack was known for his unique observations and his wheezing laugh, similar to that of a hyena. It is possible that academically he is the smartest Sweathog. He was the only one of the central Sweathogs to be promoted out of remedial academics class, but he soon returned after feeling out of place. He has an affection for acting and enjoys old movies, particularly 1930s musicals. He eventually married Mary Johnson, a co-worker and fellow Sweathog. Although his surname sounds like a term for a brothel, he claimed it's a "very old and respected name" meaning "the cattle are dying." His middle name (and his mother's maiden name) is "Dingfelder."

Arnold's catchphrases

• "Ooh-ooh-ooooh!"
  (Used with raised hand when Arnold gets excited because he believes he knows an answer to Mr. Kotter's question. The shout was an imitation of Joe E. Ross's phrase from Car 54, Where Are You?.)
• "Hullo. (pause) How-wah-ya? (pause) I'm AHH-nol'd HOR-shaaaaack."
  (How Arnold introduces himself)
• "That was ver-ry impressive, Mister Kotter-r-r!"
  (How Arnold praises Mr. Kotter's teaching, sometimes jokes.)
• "G'head, G'head! (Go ahead, go ahead)"