Lacey Chabert Reflects on ‘Mean Girls’ Legacy: When Her Daughter Asked What ‘Fetch’ Means

The Enduring Impact of Mean Girls

Since its release in 2004, Mean Girls has grown into one of the most iconic teen comedies of all time, spawning a cult following that endures to this day. The film’s memorable one-liners, unique characters, and sharp satire of high school dynamics have secured its place in popular culture. At the heart of this success is Lacey Chabert, who portrayed the hilariously dim-witted yet loveable Gretchen Wieners. Her famous attempt to make “fetch” happen, a slang term she hoped would become trendy, remains one of the film’s most quoted lines. Nearly two decades after the movie’s release, Chabert continues to embrace her role in the film and is now facing a new, amusing chapter—explaining the significance of Mean Girls to her daughter.

Lacey Chabert Reflects on ‘Mean Girls’ Legacy: When Her Daughter Asked What ‘Fetch’ Means

Lacey Chabert’s Life After Mean Girls

While Mean Girls became a landmark moment in Lacey Chabert’s career, she has remained active in Hollywood long after her portrayal of Gretchen Wieners. Chabert has built a versatile resume, working in everything from voice acting to starring in popular Hallmark films. Despite her extensive career, Chabert often finds herself returning to her Mean Girls roots, as fans continuously bring up her role in the film. In interviews, she often reflects on how grateful she is for being a part of something so special. However, as the years pass, her personal life has evolved as well. Today, Chabert is a mother, and like many parents, she has faced the delightful and sometimes perplexing questions that only a child can ask—especially when it comes to explaining a movie that was a cultural phenomenon before her daughter was even born.

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We are still trying to make fetch happen, sorry!!! 🤣 #MeanGirls Lacey Chabert joins TODAY to talk about her new unscripted series, “Celebrations With Lacey Chabert,” where she plans epic surprises and gives back to everyday heroes. #TODAYShow

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When ‘Fetch’ Meets Motherhood

Lacey Chabert recently shared a charming story that perfectly captures the collision of her professional life with motherhood. During an interview, she recounted how her young daughter asked her what the word “fetch” means—a reference to her famous line in Mean Girls. For Chabert, this moment highlighted the fascinating generational divide between her experiences and those of her daughter, who is growing up in a world where Mean Girls is a classic rather than a contemporary film. The exchange was both heartwarming and amusing, as Chabert explained the meaning of “fetch” and how it became a memorable part of pop culture. The moment served as a reminder that the impact of Mean Girls has transcended its original audience, reaching a new generation through the curious questions of young children.

Lacey Chabert Reflects on ‘Mean Girls’ Legacy: When Her Daughter Asked What ‘Fetch’ Means

The Legacy of ‘Fetch’ in Pop Culture

“Fetch” may not have happened in the world of Mean Girls, but in real life, it absolutely did. The phrase became one of the most recognizable quotes from the movie, used in everything from social media posts to merchandise. Even though Gretchen Wieners’ attempt to make “fetch” a thing was humorously shot down by Regina George, the term took on a life of its own. Over the years, it has been embraced by Mean Girls fans who revel in its absurdity. The phrase embodies the film’s witty commentary on high school life, where trying too hard to start trends is often met with resistance. As for Chabert, she has embraced the lasting popularity of “fetch” with a sense of humor, acknowledging that the line has followed her throughout her career but in the best way possible.

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Explaining Mean Girls to the Next Generation

For many parents, explaining the cultural references from their youth to their children is a uniquely challenging experience. Lacey Chabert now finds herself in this position as her daughter grows older and begins to encounter the legacy of Mean Girls. The film, which captured the high school experience of the early 2000s, is now something of a time capsule. Explaining the nuances of high school cliques, social hierarchies, and the humor behind phrases like “fetch” to a new generation presents a fun, if sometimes baffling, task. Yet, as Chabert reflects on her iconic role, she does so with pride and gratitude, recognizing that Mean Girls has not only shaped her career but continues to connect her with audiences both young and old. In the years to come, it will be fascinating to see how Mean Girls is passed down through generations, and how iconic moments like “fetch” will continue to evolve in pop culture.

From cathottees