Coincidence I Think Not is a catchphrase from Pixar's 2004 film The Incredibles, spoken by teacher Bernie Kropp during a classroom accusation scene. It became a reaction GIF and text macro for calling out suspicious links between two events.
Origin
The line comes from The Incredibles, released by Pixar on November 5th, 2004[1]. In the scene, Dash Parr's teacher Bernie Kropp shows the principal a slowed-down tape of the class, arguing that Dash moves at the exact moment tacks land on his chair. Kropp caps the accusation with 'Coincidence? I think not!' before the tape gets dismissed as inconclusive by the principal[1].
- Platform: The Incredibles (film) / YouTube and Tumblr (viral spread)
- Creator: Brad Bird (director of The Incredibles)
- Date: 2004
Overview
Coincidence I Think Not is a catchphrase pulled from Pixar's 2004 film The Incredibles[1], usually paired with a reaction GIF of teacher Bernie Kropp squinting at a video tape[3]. The line gets used whenever someone wants to point out a suspicious link between two events, often sarcastically.
The format is simple: list two related occurrences, then punctuate with 'Coincidence? I think not.' It works as plain text or attached to Kropp's exasperated expression from the classroom scene[1]. Voice actor Lou Romano's clipped delivery is part of why the audio travels well as a standalone reaction sound[2].
How It Spread
The phrase started drifting outside the movie within a few years. On August 22nd, 2007, Yahoo Answers user Matt N[4] asked where the quote 'Coincidence? I think not.' first came from, a sign it had already detached from its Pixar origin in casual chat.
On March 10th, 2011, YouTuber Thecommet[2] posted the raw classroom clip, giving GIF makers a clean source to loop and caption. That upload passed 180,000 views by September 2014[3]. On September 13th, 2013, Tumblr user diamondofblack[5] tagged a Harry Potter post with the phrase, and that post picked up over 200 notes within a year.
The catchphrase settled into rotation as shorthand for calling out suspicious coincidences, especially in fandom threads and joke conspiracy posts[3].
How to Use
The typical setup pairs two events that look connected, then closes with 'Coincidence? I think not.' It works on its own or dropped next to the Bernie Kropp reaction GIF[2]. Common use cases include fan theories, celebrity look-alike comparisons, and joke conspiracy threads where the link is obviously silly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Coincidence I Think Not?
A catchphrase from Pixar's 2004 film The Incredibles, spoken by teacher Bernie Kropp when accusing Dash Parr of putting tacks on his chair[1].
Where did Coincidence I Think Not come from?
The classroom scene in The Incredibles, released November 5th, 2004, where Kropp reviews a slowed-down tape of Dash's antics[1].
What does Coincidence I Think Not mean?
It signals mock suspicion, used to point out that two events are connected in an obvious or over-the-top way[2].
How do you use Coincidence I Think Not?
Point out two related events and close with the line, either as plain text or paired with the Bernie Kropp reaction GIF[2].
Is Coincidence I Think Not still popular?
It stayed in rotation on Tumblr and other platforms after Thecommet's 2011 YouTube upload gave meme makers a clean source clip[2].
