Recurring jokes in The Simpsons

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There are many running gags on The Simpsons, many of which have been retired during the series or implemented later on in the run.

[edit] Catchphrases

The Simpsons has perhaps most entered the public consciousness in the form of the numerous catchphrases that are repeated by characters of the show. Homer, when frustrated or making an obvious blunder, shouts out the famous catch phrase "D'oh!", which has achieved such mainstream usage as to be featured in the Oxford English Dictionary.^[1] USA Today had it on their list over the 100 greatest catchphrases on TV.^[2] Bart's trademark "¡Ay, caramba!", "Don't have a cow, man!" and "Eat my shorts" were also featured on t-shirts in the early days of the show's run.

Many main characters have catchphrases that serve to illuminate the nature of the speaker's character. This is sometimes shown explicitly, as the characters' thoughts are broadcast for the audience to hear. Homer's "Mmmm... [name of food]" shows his weakness for pleasure, while Marge's disapproving throat noise displays her innate uncertainty and nervous nature. On the other hand, Maggie's character is shown only through body language, as she is unable to speak during regular episodes and is prevented from doing so in the episodes which take place in the future (although one episode reveals that her first word is 'Daddy'). Her falls are a common background noise in early episodes of the show. Lisa is perhaps the only speaking member of the core family with no "catchphrase" vocalization. Finally, Abraham Simpson's frailty is demonstrated by the ease and speed at which he falls asleep.

Numerous phrases also exist for other characters, including Barney Gumble's belch, Nelson Muntz's "Ha-ha!", and Mr. Burns' "Excellent...". Dr. Julius Hibbert often laughs in inappropriate situations.

The contrast between the world of the commercial and real life is also a major theme put forward by the show's catch phrases. Krusty the Clown often starts his TV shows with a cry of "Hey-hey, kids!" and a distinctive laugh, which is a great contrast to his off-screen personality. Similarly, actor Troy McClure always introduced himself with the phrase 'Hi, I'm Troy McClure, you may remember me from such (whatever) as (insert cheesy-sounding program titles)...'. Dr. Nick Riviera seems unable to remove himself from the world of infomercials that he is seen to appear in, and always announces his entrances with "Hi, everybody!," to which everybody in the room responds "Hi, Dr. Nick!".

[edit] Recurring jokes

Characters frequently rush out of a room to escape an embarrassing situation, followed by the sound of screeching tires. For many seasons, Mr. Smithers sexuality and feelings for his boss create tension during scenes in which the two are together. The anger of the characters toward one another is often highlighted. Homer strangles Bart in an exaggerated fashion for even minor offenses, and threatens them with "Do it..." when they are uncertain about his leadership. Other members of the family frequently take up this phrase as well.

The "Stay-On-the-Line and Cry" routine (more prevalent in earlier seasons of the show), a running gag in which one of the members of the Simpson family — usually Homer and Marge — would wait on the phone, but then break down and cry when a popular song pertaining to the situation would be played as Soft/Easy Listening Music. One example would be the Missing Baby Hotline playing "Baby Come Back" by Player.

Bart often makes a prank call to Moe's Tavern, asking for someone with a name such as "Amanda Huggankiss," "Mike Rotch," "Jacque Strap," "Oliver Clozoff," "Heywood U. Cuddleme" or "Hugh Jass" (this latter case being one in which Bart's prank call backfires, as there actually is a Hugh Jass in the bar). Moe falls for the trap every time, and when he realises that the joke is at his expense shouts threats back at Bart. This is a reference ^[3] to the (in)famous Tube Bar prank calls pulled on grumpy New Jersey bar owner, Louis "Red" Deutsch in the late 1960s by John Davidson and Jim Elmo which follows an almost identical pattern (with much more profanity).

Many commercial establishments on the Simpsons have comically farcical names (that are puns) such as "Try-N'Save," (a discount store) "A Bugs Death," (A Pest Controllist) "Nuts Landing" (a pet sterilization clinic), and "Blood, Bath, and Beyond" (a gun shop). One store name seen on the screen briefly was "Sneed's Feed and Seed [formerly Chuck's]". Finally, certain groups are represented by stereotypes, such as the ginger-haired and green-clad Scotsman who occasionally appears.

Forgetfulness is another occasional theme. Mr. Burns is unable to remember Homer Simpson's name, despite the countless times the two have met. Smithers usually reminds him that Homer works in Sector 7G of the power plant, describing him with a term such as "organ bank," or "drone". Krusty the Clown never remembers Bart, a boy who has helped him on numerous occasions.

Ex-president Richard Nixon appears on television screens, video games and flashbacks, and usually makes commentary that has outcomes negative towards him, such as during a Duff Beer commercial during the 1960 presidential election campaign, where his opposition, John F. Kennedy says "I would like to express my fondness for Duff beer", which receives praise. However when Nixon says "Yes, I would also like to express, my, fondness for that particular beer" he is met with booing and hissing. Another appearance is after an arcade game where Nixon says "Winners don't do drugs" and begins stomping on the fallen character's head. Nixon also appears frequently on Futurama where he (or more specifically his head) is the President of Earth.

In later episodes, meta-references have become a theme in running gags. For example, for many years, the show refused to reveal the location of Springfield. In finally breaking this rule, the writers maintained the confusion by stating two alternate locations in the original and syndicated version of an episode. Adding to the confusion, the trailer for the upcoming The Simpsons Movie reveals a scene in which Ned Flanders points out the four states that border Springfield, namely Ohio, Nevada, Maine, and Kentucky, all of which are too far apart geographically to be considered "bordering," save for Kentucky and Ohio.

Homer Simpson has achieved many lifelong dreams. Among these dreams are running onto the field during a baseball game, eating the world's biggest hoagie, and working in a bowling alley. There are others which could be noted here; he best sums up this tendency when he declares "all my life, I've had one dream: to achieve my many goals."