Original artwork, not a still
Ogres are like onions. / They stink? / Yes. No! Layers. Onions have layers. Ogres have layers. You get it? We both have layers.
— Shrek · 2001
Behind the line
What it means
Our interpretation.
A deadpan joke about a creature who insists he is deeper than his reputation, then fumbles the metaphor when Donkey keeps interrupting. The humour is that the layers explanation is sincere and ridiculous at once, and Shrek's "End of story" confirms Donkey will never understand. The line became shorthand for hidden depth and one of the most-memed lines of the early 2000s, resurfacing in onion-themed merchandise and Shrek's later sequels.
Context reviewed
In context
Spoilers for ShrekShow the scene
In Shrek (2001), after Lord Farquaad sends them to rescue Princess Fiona, Donkey presses the ogre on the way to the dragon's keep: why not simply terrorise Farquaad instead of going on the quest? Shrek sarcastically lists the horrors Donkey has suggested, and when Donkey winces he insists there is more to ogres than people think. Asked for an example, he tries onions: ogres stink, Donkey offers, and Shrek half agrees before landing on layers. Donkey counters with cake and then parfaits, and Shrek ends the argument with "End of story." Mike Myers voiced Shrek after the late Chris Farley had recorded most of the part, and re-recorded his lines in a Scottish accent.
Sources (2)
- Shrek (2001) transcript, Springfield! Springfield!The onion and cake exchange, shortly after Shrek and Donkey set out for the dragon's keepReference checked
- Shrek, WikipediaDevelopment and Casting sectionsReference checked
Context reviewed
