Barney says “wait for it” 40 times in How I Met Your Mother

• 

  Vulture counted 40 uses of Barney Stinson’s “wait for it” catchphrase across nine seasons of How I Met Your Mother.

• 

  The count includes variations in which the phrase is inserted into other words, not just the full “Legen… wait for it… dary!” line.

• 

  The phrase was used in the sitcom’s pilot, while “legendary” and “wait for it” were combined in the third episode of season one.

• 

  The final counted use appears in the show’s ninth and last season.

• 

  Barney was played by Neil Patrick Harris.

Who

Barney Stinson, played by Neil Patrick Harris.

What

Vulture counted 40 sequences using Barney’s “wait for it” catchphrase in How I Met Your Mother.

When

Across the show’s nine seasons. Vulture published its count around the series finale in March 2014.

Where

In the television sitcom How I Met Your Mother.

Why

The phrase became one of Barney’s recurring jokes, used to build comic anticipation.

This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.