Beatrice Lang
Don't pee on the electric fence is a well-known phrase, often used as a humorous warning. It is a popular culture reference, with appearances in the show Ren and Stimpy and on Amazon merchandise. The phrase is also used as a metaphor or figure of speech, as seen in quotes by Charlie Munger. For rural kids, it's a funny warning to give to their townie cousins.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Game, Urban legend, Warning sign |
| Context | Entertainment, Rural life |
| Intended audience | Children, Farm visitors |
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It's not a myth
The expression has entered popular culture, with a quote by Charles T. Munger referencing it: "You don't have to pee on an electric fence to learn that it's a bad idea". This sums up the sentiment perfectly. It is a memorable way to express that some lessons do not need to be learned through direct experience, especially when the consequences could be severe or harmful.
The expression has also become a humorous warning, with metal signs available for purchase, warning people not to pee on electric fences. It is a lighthearted way to remind people of the dangers of electricity and to respect the boundaries that electric fences present.
While the exact consequences of urinating on an electric fence may be unknown to those who have not experienced it, it is clear that it is not a myth and that the dangers are very real. It is always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to electricity, and it is best to avoid any situations where one might be tempted to "PAFO" (pee and find out).
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A favourite game
"Don't Pee on the Electric Fence" is a favourite game of Stimpy and Sven, as seen in the Ren and Stimpy episode "Sven Hoek". The game involves a real electrified fence on the game board, powered by household line voltage. It is played with two dice. The name of the game caused some controversy, with John explaining:
> Nickelodeon wouldn't let us name the game 'Don't pee on the electric fence' so I named a bunch of other words that could be used for 'pee'. When I said 'whiz', Nickelodeon accepted the word and the game was kept."
The game may have originated from a rural legend, where farm kids would warn their "townie" cousins about the dangers of urinating on electric fences. This prank is the subject of a quote by Charlie Munger, and a variety of merchandise, including warning signs and t-shirts.
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Ren & Stimpy
In the episode "Sven Hoek" of The Ren & Stimpy Show, the characters Stimpy and Sven play a game called "Don't Pee on the Electric Fence" (also known as "Don't Whiz on the Electric Fence"). The game features a real electrified fence on the game board, powered by household line voltage. The original name of the game was deemed inappropriate by Nickelodeon, who objected to the use of the word "pee", and it was changed to "whiz" as a more light-hearted alternative.
In the episode, Ren makes several violent threats towards Stimpy and Sven, including tearing their arms out of their sockets and pushing them over. The episode ends with the three characters being sent to Hell due to an electrical explosion caused by Ren urinating on Stimpy's copy of the "Don't Whiz on the Electric Fence" game. Satan greets them with a cheerful admonishment, "So, you whizzed on the electric fence, didn't ya?"
The episode "Sven Hoek" first aired on November 7, 1992, as the fourth episode of the second season of The Ren & Stimpy Show. It is notable for being the first episode completed after the series' creator, John K., was fired during the original run. The episode has been described as having gruesome and disturbing content, with some viewers finding it surprising that it aired on children's television. Despite this, or perhaps because of it, the episode has become a favourite among fans of the show, with some enjoying the dark humour and others appreciating the surreal nature of the plot.
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Farm kids' joke
There's a famous joke about not urinating on an electric fence, which is a favourite of many, including Stimpy and Sven from the Ren & Stimpy Show. The joke is often told by farm kids to their cousins from the city. It's a funny way to warn someone about the dangers of electric fences.
The joke has even inspired a range of products, including a "ZMKDLL Warning Do Not Pee on Electric Fence" sign, which is described as a "funny retro vintage metal sign" and is available to buy on Amazon. The sign measures 8"x12" and is suitable for patios, lawns, and gardens.
There are also variations of the joke, such as "Don't Pee and Find Out" (PAFO for short) and "Don't Whiz on the Electric Fence", which was the name of a game played by Stimpy and Sven in the episode "Sven Hoek". The game features a real electrified fence powered by household line voltage, and the objective may be to avoid urinating on it.
The joke is a lighthearted way to remind people, especially those who may be unfamiliar with electric fences, of the potential dangers. It's a unique and memorable way to convey an important message, and it's no surprise that it's a favourite among farm kids who likely know a thing or two about electric fences!
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Don't urinate
Urinating on an electric fence is not a good idea. While it may seem like a funny prank to some, it can actually be quite dangerous. Electric fences are designed to deliver an electric shock to deter animals or people from crossing the boundary. The shock is usually strong enough to cause pain and even injury in some cases.
When you urinate on an electric fence, you are creating a direct path for the electricity to flow from the fence to the ground through your body. This is known as electrical conduction, and it can have serious consequences. The electricity will pass through your body, potentially causing burns, nerve damage, or even stopping your heart.
It's important to remember that electricity always takes the path of least resistance. Urine is a conductive fluid, so it provides a low-resistance path for the electricity to flow through. This means that you are more likely to be shocked if you urinate on an electric fence than if you simply touch it.
In popular culture, the dangers of urinating on an electric fence have been referenced in shows like "The Ren and Stimpy Show", where it was featured as a game called "Don't Whiz on the Electric Fence." Additionally, there are metal signs available for purchase that humorously warn people not to pee on electric fences, further perpetuating the awareness of this ill-advised act.
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Frequently asked questions
It is dangerous to do so.
You will get an electric shock.
It is Stimpy and Sven's favorite game from the Ren & Stimpy Show episode "Sven Hoek". The game involves a real electrified fence that is powered by household line voltage.
Yes, there are Do Not Pee on Electric Fence signs available on Amazon.
