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Martien Meiland is a Dutch reality television personality whose expressive reactions became widely shared online, and this short line is one of his most recognisable phrases. Clips of his commentary circulate on soundboards and social media, where Dutch-speaking creators reuse them as shorthand for exaggerated dismay. Because the phrase is short, clear and instantly recognisable to fans of Dutch reality television, it has stayed useful as a reaction sound long after its original broadcast, especially in memes and short-form videos about everyday disasters.
About this sound
Martien Meiland says het is toch verschrikkelijk in this short Dutch reality TV clip, used to react to dramatic, awkward or over-the-top moments.
This short clip captures Martien Meiland delivering the Dutch line het is toch verschrikkelijk, meaning it really is terrible, in his unmistakable expressive style. His voice rises with theatrical disbelief, turning a simple complaint into a moment of exaggerated drama that feels both sincere and funny. The delivery is quick and punchy, lasting just over two seconds, which makes it easy to drop into a reaction or cutaway without losing pace. Listeners instantly recognise the tone of someone overwhelmed by a situation, whether it is messy, chaotic or simply absurd. It works because Meiland sounds genuinely appalled, yet the overstatement invites laughter rather than sympathy.
