Silvio Santos marks generations with his iconic catchphrases

Silvio Santos was one of the greatest icons of Brazilian television. He not only won over a large audience with his presence and charisma, but also left an invaluable legacy through his unforgettable catchphrases. During his more than 60-year career, his phrases became part of the daily lives of Brazilians, being repeated by different generations and used in many different situations.

Of all his catchphrases, perhaps the best known is “Who wants money?”the catchphrase accompanied by the gesture of throwing airplanes made of money into the audience. This phrase has become synonymous with Silvio Santos and is fondly remembered by fans of all ages. The moment when he asks the question is always eagerly awaited by participants and viewers, and is a true trademark of his unique style of hosting programs.

Phrases that have become cultural heritage

In addition to “Who wants money?“, other phrases are also highlighted in viewers' memories. “What's up?!” and “It's up to you, Lombardi!”. These are some examples of how Silvio Santos transformed the simple act of presenting a program into a show in itself. His fun way of interacting with the audience and the participants of his programs helped to solidify these expressions, to the point that they were repeated outside the context of TV.

_{Silvio Santos raffling money to the audience of his program (photo: reproduction/Roberto Nemanis/ SBT archive)}

Silvio Santos' fans continue to keep these catchphrases alive, using them in different everyday situations. On social media, it is common to see tributes that reference the phrases immortalized by the presenter. Videos and memes circulate constantly, bringing a touch of nostalgia and reinforcing Silvio's presence in Brazilian popular culture.

A legacy that will not fade away

Silvio, with his catchphrases, went beyond his role as a presenter and became a cultural figure. With simple but striking phrases, he shows the power of popular communication. Thus, Silvio Santos' catchphrases are not just words, but symbols of a golden era of Brazilian television, and even after his death they will continue to be a powerful way of paying tribute to one of the greatest communicators in the country.

Featured photo: Silvio Santos presenting his 'Programa do Silvio Santos' on SBT (Reproduction/Lourival Ribeiro/SBT archive)