Bart Simpson's Prank Call to Moe's Tavern

Crossword clue reveals classic TV joke

Jan. 28, 2026 at 8:47am

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A crossword clue in the New Yorker Crossword puzzle from January 28, 2026 asked for the 9-letter answer to the prompt "Bart Simpson telephoning Moe's Tavern to ask for Seymour Butz, e.g.". The answer revealed was "PRANKCALL", referring to a famous recurring gag on the animated TV series The Simpsons where the character Bart Simpson would prank call the local tavern owner Moe by asking for made-up names like "Seymour Butz".

Why it matters

This crossword clue taps into the enduring popularity of The Simpsons, one of the longest-running and most iconic American animated sitcoms. The prank call gag featuring Bart Simpson is a classic comedic bit that has become deeply embedded in pop culture over the show's 30+ year run.

The details

In the classic Simpsons prank call routine, the mischievous 10-year-old Bart Simpson would call Moe's Tavern and ask the bartender Moe Szyslak if various made-up names were present, such as "Seymour Butz", "Amanda Hugginkiss", or "Oliver Klozoff". Moe would then angrily shout the fake name out loud, only to realize he had been pranked by Bart.

  • The crossword clue was featured in the January 28, 2026 edition of The New Yorker.

The players

Bart Simpson

The mischievous 10-year-old son of Homer and Marge Simpson, known for his pranks including prank calling Moe's Tavern.

Moe Szyslak

The gruff, short-tempered bartender of Moe's Tavern, who is frequently the target of Bart Simpson's prank calls.

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The takeaway

This crossword clue is a fun nod to one of the most iconic and enduring gags from the long-running animated sitcom The Simpsons, highlighting the show's continued cultural relevance even decades after its debut.