Made-up words in The Simpsons

Panaphonics
Panaphonics is a fictional brand of electronics referred to in a 1996 episode of The Simpsons, entitled “Scenes from the Class Struggle in Springfield.” It is a parody of the Panasonic brand.

In that episode, Homer goes to the television outlet in Ogdenville to shop for a new television, and his son, Bart tells him that the televisions being sold there are knockoff brands. Homer then showcases his trademark ignorance by saying: “I know a genuine Panaphonics when I see it. And look, there’s Magnetbox and Sorny!” (which are parodies of the well-known Magnavox and Sony brands, respectively)

Just like other catch-phrases from The Simpsons, it is beginning to catch on in Internet usage, just like the Yakov Smirnoff jokes several years ago. The term is now used as a slang by some online to describe derivative or poor-quality electronics. See also the script for Scenes from the Class Struggle in Springfield.

In real life, “no-brand” video cameras have been sold in tax-free areas in the far east under the name of “Panascanic”. In many parts of eastern Europe brands such as “Panasonix”, “Tonny Hilfiger”, “Eila”, “Fuma”, “Fike” and “Somy” can also be found.

More Made-up words from The Simpsons