What Does Cousin Eddie Say He Can’t Do in Christmas Vacation?

By Michael Ferguson

If you’re a fan of holiday movies, there’s a good chance that you’ve seen “Christmas Vacation” at least once. This classic comedy follows the Griswold family as they prepare for the holiday season, and hilarity ensues at every turn.

One of the most memorable characters in the movie is Cousin Eddie, played by Randy Quaid. He’s known for his outlandish behavior and memorable one-liners, but there’s one line in particular that stands out.

During one scene in the movie, Cousin Eddie is talking to Clark Griswold about his job prospects. He mentions that he’s been holding out for a management position at his company, but he doesn’t think it’s going to happen. He then delivers the line that has become iconic among fans of the movie: “I don’t know what to say except it’s Christmas and we’re all in misery.”

But that’s not the only memorable thing that Cousin Eddie says in “Christmas Vacation.” There’s another line that has people talking, and it involves something he says he can’t do.

In a later scene in the movie, Clark is trying to help Cousin Eddie fix up his RV so he can take his family on a vacation. At one point, Clark suggests that they use a particular tool to fix something on the RV. Cousin Eddie responds by saying, “I don’t know if I oughta go sailin’ down no hill with nothin’ between the ground and my brains but a piece of government plastic.”

So what exactly does this mean? Well, Cousin Eddie is referring to his metal plate, which he got after suffering from a head injury. He believes that using this tool could cause him serious harm if he were to fall while using it.

This line has become so popular among fans of “Christmas Vacation” that it has inspired countless memes and references over the years. It’s just one of the many memorable moments in this classic holiday comedy.

In conclusion, Cousin Eddie is a character that is hard to forget, especially with his hilarious one-liners. His famous line about not wanting to go “sailin’ down no hill with nothin’ between the ground and my brains but a piece of government plastic” has become an iconic moment in “Christmas Vacation.” It just goes to show how a well-placed joke can elevate a movie from good to great.