As more and more films based on video games, comics and fantasy novels (as opposed to real people and situations) are released, the lines of reality begin to blur in equal amounts. Often we see people dressing as their favorite Star Wars character or Lord of the Rings monster. We hear them quote movies while swinging on ropes and fighting obviously-identifiable evil-doers.

While it may be fun, it’s exactly the sort of social faux pas I try to prevent many from making. If you follow these rules, you should prevent yourself from being labelled “too geeky.”

Today’s lesson is determining when it is appropriate to use a catch phrase or battle cry. I use the example, “Hulk Smash.”

The first step is to realize the meaning of each part of the phrase in question. In our case, “Hulk” is in reference to the Incredible Hulk and subtly is about being superior in physical strength and having unbridled brutality. “Smash” is pretty obvious.

Now that we have determined the meaning, we must show how the audience or passer-by may receive this utterance. The most obvious is that people will not be impressed by your surface knowledge of comics and pop-culture, which may work to your favor. Otherwise it seems like a phrase of celebration, to gloat a victory over your fallen opponent.

It’s pretty simple when you break it down, but just in case you still don’t get it, here is a list of times when it’s good and bad to use “Hulk Smash.” (see list).

Using this list, it should be pretty easy to determine when it is appropriate to say almost any catch phrase, from “Fly you fools” to “Set phasers on (insert bad joke here).” Of course, if you insist on telling people you’re Luke’s father or informing us it’s time to clobber things, you may be beyond my great powers and great responsibility.