What Is the Line From Christmas Vacation?

By Robert Palmer

If you’re a fan of holiday movies, then you’ve probably watched the classic Christmas comedy, “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.” This film is filled with memorable moments and hilarious quotes, but perhaps none more so than the line that has become a holiday staple: “Shitter’s full.”

The line is spoken by Randy Quaid’s character, Cousin Eddie, as he empties his RV’s septic tank into the sewer drain in front of the Griswold family’s home. The moment is both cringe-worthy and laugh-out-loud funny, and it has become one of the most iconic scenes in the film.

But why has this line become so popular? For starters, it perfectly captures Cousin Eddie’s character.

He’s a lovable but clueless redneck who always seems to be causing chaos wherever he goes. The fact that he empties his septic tank in such a brazen way is just one example of his total lack of social graces.

Additionally, the line has become popular because it’s just so darn quotable. People love to use it as a punchline for all sorts of situations – from clogged toilets to overflowing trash cans. It’s become a cultural touchstone that people can reference and instantly recognize.

Of course, “shitter’s full” isn’t the only memorable line from “Christmas Vacation.” The movie is filled with hilarious quips and zingers from Chevy Chase’s bumbling Clark Griswold and Beverly D’Angelo’s long-suffering Ellen. From Aunt Bethany saying grace (“Grace? She passed away thirty years ago!”)

to Clark losing his temper at his boss (“Can I refill your eggnog for you? Get you something to eat? Drive you out to the middle of nowhere and leave you for dead? “), there are plenty of lines that have become part of our holiday lexicon.

In conclusion, “shitter’s full” may be one of the most beloved and recognizable lines from “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” but it’s just one example of the film’s many hilarious moments. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, it’s easy to see why this movie has become a holiday classic that people return to year after year.