6 of the funniest Sherlock Holmes quotes
There have been many adaptations of the famous Sherlock Holmes story since the creation of the character by Arthur Conan Doyle. Holmes has appeared across books, television series, and movies, with the character depicted on screen 254 times and boasting a world record for the most portrayed literary human character in film and television.
A personality trait of the character that remains across all adaptations is the witty, dry, and insulting humour that he has without realising. Throughout this article we will look into some of the famous detective’s best quotes:
1: “I’m not a psychopath, Anderson, I’m a high-functioning sociopath. Do your research.”
BBC - Season 1 episode 1 - A Study in Pink
In the BBC television series, Sherlock is portrayed by Benedict Cumberbatch. In the very first episode a police officer known as Anderson refers to Sherlock as his “favourite psychopath” and is met with this rather unusual response.
2: “Watson. Come at once if convenient. If inconvenient, come all the same.”
Arthur Conan Doyle - The Creeping Man
‘The Creeping Man’ is an original Sherlock story that also has a 1991 television adaptation. The premise of the story is that Sherlock is hired by Jack Bennet to investigate after his fiancee appears to see a shadow of a man in her second floor bedroom window. John Bennet's fiancee is the daughter of natural scientist, Professor Presbury. The story relates to theft from zoos of monkeys and apes and Sherlock begins to unravel the mystery.
3: Watson: “We should call the police”
Holmes: *Fires gun shots* “Yes….on their way!”
Watson: “For god sake!”
Holmes: “Oh shut up, it’s quick”
BBC - Season 2 episode 1 - A Scandal in Belgravia
Sherlock is known for his unusual way of doing things and this is demonstrated in the show by him trying to alert the police to the location of him and Dr Watson. In typical Sherlock fashion, he decides that firing a gun in the middle of London is the best way to alert the police to their location.
4. “My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other people do not know.”
The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s is the creator and author of Sherlock Holmes and this quote is from one of his first twelve short stories about his famous London detective. This Sherlock moment is from story seven of twelve in the book and is about the theft of a priceless gemstone known as the ‘Blue Carbuncle’.
5: “You have the grand gift of silence, Watson; it makes you quite invaluable as a companion.”
Sherlock Holmes (2009)
Sherlock Holmes is a 2009 film that follows the famous detective who is portrayed by Robert Downey Jr and his faithful friend Watson as they go up against Lord Blackwood and try to demystify his resurrection, all while handling the distractions of an occult group in London, and the infamous Irene Adler.
6: “I am a brain, Watson. The rest of me is a mere appendix.”
Arthur Conan Doyle - The Adventure of the Mazarin Stone
This witty comment to Watson is from ‘The casebook of Sherlock Holmes’ which was published in 1921. The story revolves around the theft of the Mazarin stone, a prized crown jewel. Sherlock identifies Count Sylvius as the alleged thief and expects him to arrive to kill him, however, Sherlock uses his mind games on Count Sylvius and his partner Sam.