Mee krob
/MEE KROB/ noun
≈ “A curse word (meta joke)”
In the South Park episode where 'shit' is overused until it loses meaning, Cartman suggests 'mee krob' as a replacement bad word. It's a Thai appetizer, making the joke about the arbitrariness of linguistic taboo.
“We're going to have to start saying other bad words like 'cock' and 'mee krob.'”— Eric Cartman (Trey Parker)
Etymology
Mee krob is a real Thai dish (sweet crispy noodles). South Park uses it to make a point about how any word can become taboo if society decides it is. The choice of a random food item parallels Adams's use of 'Belgium.'
Usage History
Used in 'It Hits the Fan' (S5E1, 2001). The episode said 'shit' 162 times, exploring how overuse drains taboo power.
Taboo Trajectory
A satirical commentary on the arbitrary nature of taboo language. If 'shit' loses its power through overuse, any word — even a noodle dish — can take its place.
Semantic Drift Timeline
A one-episode joke that fans remember fondly. Never became recurring South Park vocabulary.
Regional Notes
South Park, Colorado (fictional).