A green glass bottle wears a yellow cape on a mirrored tray beside citrus slices and leaves.

Original artwork, not a still

The Spleen

Since I was the one that smelt it, I would forever be... he who dealt it!

— Mystery Men • 1999

Behind the line

What it means

Our interpretation.

This is a groan-worthy rhyme built on the old playground saying 'he who smelt it dealt it'. The speaker realises that because they noticed the smell, they'll forever be blamed for it. The joke is the tiny embarrassment turned into a permanent, sing-song reputation.

Context reviewed

Share this quote