The Flip Wilson Show Quotes

Context

This line is spoken by Geraldine Jones, played by Flip Wilson, in the TV show The Flip Wilson Show (1970-1974).

Geraldine Jones was the sassy and bold female character played by comedian Flip Wilson on his early-70s variety show. Geraldine might have looked like a man dressed in women's clothes, but she was totally confident and flirty. One of her best-known catchphrases was "What you see is what you get!" It was just another way for Geraldine to let you know that she was authentic and real and not planning on changing for anyone. Way to keep it 100, Geraldine.

Where you've heard it

"What you see is what you get" is a pretty common phrase nowadays (thanks to Flip Wilson). You probably hear people say it when they're referring to something that has no extras or strings attached. So, basically, anything listed on Craigslist.

Computer programmers also use the acronym WYSIWYG (or "What You See Is What You Get") to refer to e-content that will look exactly as is once it's printed or uploaded.

Pretentious Factor

If you were to drop this quote at a dinner party, would you get an in-unison "awww" or would everyone roll their eyes and never invite you back? Here it is, on a scale of 1-10.

If what people see with you is what they get, then you're just telling it like it is. Nothing pretentious about that.