1 definition by Angela Merkin
Used to describe excellence in failure or, more specifically, success at a skill or in a field which is so ignoble as to be a kind of failure.
The phrase derives from The Simpsons episode "Lisa the Vegetarian." Ralph Wiggum, a deeply unintelligent and maladjusted child, eats the worm he is supposed to dissect. Ralph's teacher, Miss Hoover, defeated and calloused toward Ralph's learning disabilities, tells Ralph that there are no more worms and he should "try to sleep while the other children are learning." Ralph rejoices saying "Oh boy ... sleep! That's where I'm a Viking!"
The implication is that Ralph is too stupid to be taught, too stupid to know he is being robbed of an education, but also too stupid to use an education anyway, thus happy to be released from the trial of trying. Now used to describe joyful release in accepting lowliness and failure, especially when failure allows for some trivial but enjoyable hobby.
The phrase derives from The Simpsons episode "Lisa the Vegetarian." Ralph Wiggum, a deeply unintelligent and maladjusted child, eats the worm he is supposed to dissect. Ralph's teacher, Miss Hoover, defeated and calloused toward Ralph's learning disabilities, tells Ralph that there are no more worms and he should "try to sleep while the other children are learning." Ralph rejoices saying "Oh boy ... sleep! That's where I'm a Viking!"
The implication is that Ralph is too stupid to be taught, too stupid to know he is being robbed of an education, but also too stupid to use an education anyway, thus happy to be released from the trial of trying. Now used to describe joyful release in accepting lowliness and failure, especially when failure allows for some trivial but enjoyable hobby.
by Angela Merkin November 30, 2020