Behind the line
What it means
Our interpretation.
The joy is in the delay: Elaine will not name it, so the euphemism does the work, and Jerry's disbelief turns a small indecency into a full cross-examination. The line became a Seinfeld catchphrase for any appalling date story told in hushed tones, and it is the show at its best, getting its laughs from what it refuses to say.
Context reviewed
In context
Spoilers for SeinfeldShow the scene
Seinfeld, "The Stand-In" (season 5, aired 24 February 1994). Jerry has set Elaine up on a date with his friend Phil Totola, and the next day she turns up at Jerry's apartment and will not say how it went. She cleans her glasses, stalls, and finally reveals that her date took out his, well, "it". Jerry cross-examines her: was there a mistake, was it a misunderstanding? Elaine insists that it was not. The word is never said.
Sources (2)
- Wikiquote: Seinfeld (season 5)The Stand In [5.16], Elaine and Jerry about her dateReference checked
- Seinfeld Wiki: The Stand-InIntro and PlotReference checked
Context reviewed
