Tell me more ×
English Language & Usage Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for linguists, etymologists, and serious English language enthusiasts. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 2 down vote favorite

I was asking a question about how to deal with sweat in shoes.

Some replied:

  1. Wash.
  2. Let them dry out.
  3. Profit.

What does "Profit" mean here? Someone suggested it is related to South Park. I have no idea.

share|improve this question
Was this on Slashdot? (there was an article recently there about shoes and this is a popular Slashdot meme) – advs89 Feb 24 '11 at 0:36
Context: styleforum.net/showthread.php?p=4162621 – Orbling Feb 24 '11 at 0:42
The South Park episode in question is Gnomes. – bye Feb 24 '11 at 0:43

1 Answer

up vote 5 down vote accepted

This is an internet meme from South Park that has no actual meaning. It is often used when listing steps to achieving a goal, usually with a step before that labelled "???" to indicate that they are not sure how to get from the existing goal to actually making money. You can find more information here.

share|improve this answer
1  
Yeah, and the author of the quote used it wrong. – advs89 Feb 24 '11 at 0:41
4  
And incorrectly used, at that. It should have been: 1. Wash; 2. Let them dry out; 3. ?; 4. Profit. It's the mystery missing step that makes the joke (and the meme). – bye Feb 24 '11 at 0:41

Your Answer

 
discard

By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.