People that enjoy scrolling through the likes of Reddit or Twitter have likely seen “why do they call it oven?” at least once. Or they have probably seen the Garfield comic reel that it originates from, with the caption, “why do they call it oven when you of in the cold food of out hot eat the food?”
In the world of copypasta there are a lot of weird sayings, but this is one of the worst. But what does this nonsensical phrase really mean?
This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.
Meaning
The phrase “why do they call it oven?” is used as a response to things that just do not make sense, especially when the longer “why do they call it oven when you of in the cold food of out hot eat the food?” is used.
The phrase is commonly associated with the popular Garfield comics, and typically shows the main character Jon taking something out of the oven with “why do they call it oven?” in the caption.
This phrase is not normally used for anything other than the Garfield comic it is so closely associated with today. More information can be found in the video (here).
Example Usage
“I don’t understand why we still use daylight savings time. Why do they call it oven?”
“I’ll never understand how rocket science works. Why do they call it oven?”
“Nothing about math makes sense to me. Why do they call it oven?”
Origin
The Garfield comic strip was first published in 1976, though experienced a large growth of fame in 1978. As the popularity of the comic (and the following television show and movies that were made using the characters) grew, a plethora of memes erupted on the Internet in response.
“Why do they call it oven?” was first seen on Twitter in 2013, when user YashichiDSF posted a tweet saying, “why do they call it oven when you of in the cold foot of out hot eat the food”. That same phrase later appeared on Reddit in 2018, and Tumblr in 2019. It was this first post to Tumblr that associated the phrase with the Garfield comic. Ever since, “why do they call it oven?” has been primarily used with Garfield images, and is still used this way to this day.
Phrases Similar to Why Do They Call It Oven?
- I’m confused.
- I don’t understand.
- That doesn’t make sense.
Phrases Opposite to Why Do They Call It Oven?
- I understand.
- I get it.
- That makes sense.
- That’s understandable.
What is the Correct Saying?
- “Why do they call it oven?” is the correct saying.
Ways People May Incorrectly Say Why Do They Call It Oven?
A majority of the time, this phrase is associated with the Garfield meme. But when taken out of this context, it can be used to refer to something that does not make sense. With this definition in mind, using it to refer to something that you do actually understand would be incorrect. Some ways that “why do they call it oven?” is used incorrectly are:
- English is so easy for me. Why do they call it oven?
- I learned how to drive really quickly. Why do they call it oven?
- I’m really good at knitting. Why do they call it oven?
- I studied business in school, so I understand how to run one. Why do they call it oven?
Acceptable Ways to Phrase Why Do They Call It Oven?
- I don’t understand how physics works. Why do they call it oven?
- I’m always confused when it comes to chemistry. Why do they call it oven?
- I will never be able to understand how the human brain works. Why do they call it oven?
- I’m confused as to what carpenters do for a living. Why do they call it oven?