A blank folded card, clear glass and crumpled pale cloth rest together against a deep red background.

Original artwork, not a still

Ferris

You fake a stomach cramp, and when you’re bent over, moaning and wailing, you lick your palms. It’s a little childish and stupid, but then, so is high school.

— Ferris Bueller's Day Off · 1986

Behind the line

What it means

Our interpretation.

The speaker describes a childish trick for pretending to be ill. Rather than deny how silly it is, he argues that it suits high school. That quick excuse makes the deception sound casual and gives the school itself part of the blame.

Context reviewed

Share this quote