a Simpsons joke I have misunderstood for like 10 years

[lushj]

Viking as expert makes sense if you think of people who use "warlord" in a similar way... as in "I'm a fucking WARLORD!"

you think too much , in fact you think so much that things get so complicated that it doesn't makes sense anymore, are you a woman?

[Shotzi]

Viking was originally used as a verb describing the act of raiding. Vikings were successful and dominate for a while as history has proven and, therefore, it is fair to use the word viking to indicate that you are successful and/or dominate at something, such as a cartoon being excellent at sleeping. The art of language, yo.

[Pleasedontrock]

I can not believe the crazy beginning of this thread, followed by a crazier turn in the middle. People agree with and defend--defend!--the original misunderstanding. I can only assume that the end of the thread will defy all description in terms of level of craziness.

Seriously though, who's with me on the "My cat's breath smells like cat, food" thing?

[SockhopShindig]

Seriously though, who's with me on the "My cat's breath smells like cat, food" thing?

What if he were speaking incorrectly, and was directing his comment at his breath and his food?

"My cats, breath, smells like cat, food."

[Shotzi]

I can not believe the crazy beginning of this thread, followed by a crazier turn in the middle. People agree with and defend--defend!--the original misunderstanding. I can only assume that the end of the thread will defy all description in terms of level of craziness.

Seriously though, who's with me on the "My cat's breath smells like cat, food" thing?

I don't understand why everyone is so convinced that this is an objective joke.

[Shotzi]

Alright, I need some clarification here. I think the joke is meant to be interpreted the way Chadd originally understood it.

Is that the popular or unpopular opinion?

[bort]

i've always thought it was the way Chadd originally interpreted it.  Just another way of doing the joke of Marge coming up to clean the roof while saying "Now it's Marge's turn to shine!"

[PatWeasel]

hahaha, I'm still having trouble wrapping my mind around the "new" point of the joke.  I thought the other thing for SO long.

If it makes you feel any better I never even thought of it as Ralph literally being a viking until I opened this thread.  I thought exactly what you previously though.  Man.....that IS way funnier.  In the end don't feel bad I was just like you.

[doctoracula]

the best simpsons joke is when homer pulls up to a store and the sign reads "SNEED'S FEED AND SEED (formerly Chuck's)"

[Trevor]

Alright, I need some clarification here. I think the joke is meant to be interpreted the way Chadd originally understood it.

Is that the popular or unpopular opinion?

(Very, very, very) Unpopular.

[Chris A.]

Alright, I need some clarification here. I think the joke is meant to be interpreted the way Chadd originally understood it.

Jokes, like all art, are open to multiple interpretations.

That said, Chadd's original interpretation is wrong.

[jettrocks]

so all of you always thought the joke was that he is a viking in his dreams?

that is ridiculous to me.

[Trevor]

so all of you always thought the joke was that he is a viking in his dreams?

that is ridiculous to me.

Right, but I'm willing to bet money that if we asked the writers about their intent, we'd be right.

[Chris A.]

so all of you always thought the joke was that he is a viking in his dreams?

that is ridiculous to me.

It's a RALPH WIGGUM quote. Yes, it is ridiculous.

[Mrs. Alive]

I tried and tried to think of something to say to this, but I'm coming up blank.  I can't believe you thought that, Chadd.

[Trevor]

It's a RALPH WIGGUM quote. Yes, it is ridiculous.

Thank you!  My god, it makes more sense "our" way!  It's also funnier.

[Mrs. Alive]

It's a RALPH WIGGUM quote. Yes, it is ridiculous.

EXACTLY.  Part of his charm is saying something completely obvious or irrelevant and it's just funny because he says it.  "My doctor said I wouldn't get so many nosebleeds if I'd keep my finger outta there."  I mean, yeah.  It's Ralph, for pete's sake.

[jettrocks]

Right, but I'm willing to bet money that if we asked the writers about their intent, we'd be right.

seriously, people think it's crazy to think that the line meant sleep was something he excelled at?  i still think that and i think this new way is both NOT FUNNY and RIDICULOUS.

who wrote that episode?

[Chris A.]

who wrote that episode?

David S. Cohen.


I just checked five dictionaries, and none of them list "viking" as someone who excels, or an explorer, or whatever. I consider this matter settled.

[SockhopShindig]

I just checked five dictionaries, and none of them list "viking" as someone who excels, or an explorer, or whatever. I consider this matter settled.

We should ask the Swede to be certain.

Erika?

[M.W.]

I think that he meant that in his dreams he was well supported by a social safety net, as Vikings were Scandinavian, and Scandinavian countries are fairly socialist. It was more a commentary on the harsh environment of north american society than anything else, really.

[Mrs. Alive]

David S. Cohen.


I just checked five dictionaries, and none of them list "viking" as someone who excels, or an explorer, or whatever. I consider this matter settled.

Yeah, I've certainly never heard it used that way.

[Shotzi]

so all of you always thought the joke was that he is a viking in his dreams?

that is ridiculous to me.

I told you.

I just checked five dictionaries, and none of them list "viking" as someone who excels, or an explorer, or whatever. I consider this matter settled.

I would think you of all people would know that "viking" can be used as an adjective generalizing feats of real vikings.

Thank you for clarifying Trevor. I was confused. Anyway, I believe the way Chadd originally believed and enjoy the joke a lot more that way. I would not be surprised if it was meant the way everyone is claiming, though. It more than likely does. I think it's less funny, though, so I'm not altering my memory too much.

[SockhopShindig]

Those of you who think it refers to Ralph being a sleep pioneer:

Could you post your understanding of every joke from every episode of the Simpsons so we can make sure you are enjoying the show the way it's meant to be enjoyed?

[hasblueshoes]

I think Ralph was using the term Viking to show off his range.  Get it, Viking, range?  Eh?