Ongoing gags

Many ongoing gags, or "callbacks", occur in MS Paint Adventures. In addition to internal callbacks in each adventure, the later adventures (particularly Homestuck) sometimes also reference the earlier adventures. On a related note, Sweet Bro and Hella Jeff was originally created with the purpose of being referenced in mind, as "" for Homestuck.

Similar, but typically of a more serious and plot-relevant nature, are recurring themes.

Gags in multiple adventures
Auto-Parry
 * At first just a sight-gag in Problem Sleuth as Ace Dick does not so much parry as take the blow full on, it has morphed into a series of terrible puns in Homestuck universe, such as "Auto-Pastry" when John Aggresses his Dad; similarly, Rose "Auto-Perrier" and "Blotto-Parry" when she Aggresses her mother. Dave also later uses "Auto-Harley" against Jack Noir, and Vriska uses "Auto-Pirate" against the same.

"Be the other guy"
 * A command used to semi-force the story to focus on another character. It was first used in Jailbreak (though not perfectly) and later appeared in Homestuck to make the story shift from Dave's perspective to John's. Also used for HS 2556 (other characters). Also used in the Midnight Crew Intermission, where the command HS 3077 (never) HS 3092 (gets) HS 3098 (the) HS 3116 (desired) HS 3142 (result).

Busts
 * Typically placed in Problem Sleuth, busts are seen obstructing pathways, as Busts-R-Us is a Legitimate Establishment, and are constructed to look like several movie celebrities, most notably Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson and Snoop Dogg. A combination of busts has also been created: the Bowen Stilson Dogg. This gag made a lampshade appearance in HS 6467 (a Homestuck page) as Dirk attempts to exit his room.

Colors and units of distance
 * Black Inches first appeared in Jailbreak, and is referred to multiple times in Homestuck, such as Clubs Deuce's smut magazine (a parody, as it here refers to licorice). 's whip bears the same name, and the most powerful ability of the Queen's Ring, the Red Miles, is also a reference to the magazine. Bec Noir has also used a variant of the Red Miles, presumably called the Green Miles, or at least the Green some unit of distance. Homestuck also features the Yellow Yard, and Dirk's auto-responder has used the phrase "Blue Leagues". Aranea HS 7871 (described) the serpentine mating forms of adult cherubs as "" (astronomical units).


 * "First, be the X. Second..."
 * A command that first appears . In Homestuck, Rose is instructed to be the pony and either HS 2290 (trample) or HS 3623 (follow) Mom. John is instructed to HS 3629 (be the hat) and find dad.

Flip the Fuck Out
 * Occasionally a character in Problem Sleuth (or, some instances, in Homestuck) will Flip the Fuck Out. Weasels from Problem Sleuth mainly do this when they get agitated.

"Fondly Regard..."
 * Since Godhead Pickle Inspector refuses to do anything other than "Fondly regard creation", many commands are given that use a word that sounds very similar to "creation", such as PS 0969 (crustacean) or HS 1952 (cremation). His rule seems a little loose, as GPI does fondly regard some PS 1326 (crenellation), although it certainly could be considered part of his creation. The same may apply to his PS 1678 (beloved children). In an extra, GPI to "Fondly regard donation", but of course that's non-canon. Bucking the trend a bit, Wayward Vagabond HS 3402 (holds a certain appeal) for the desert night over Exile Town. Gamzee and Jane have each fondly regarded HS 5119 (the miracle of) HS 6292 (a new beginning). John has been known to HS 1952 (do this) to Nanna 's ashes.


 * Oftentimes, Hussie will slip in some gay porn. Most notable is Hunk Rump. It does not appear in Homestuck, but the Smuppets can be a sort of replacement, as well as Equius's fine musclebeast nudes. However, Hunk Rump does make an appearance on the Homestuck Vol. 9 cover art, as one of the cards held by Jake.

Haunting refrains
 * When musical instruments are present in a scene (string instruments in particular), a command to play a haunting refrain is often chosen, and accompanied by a simple flash video. This actually originated in Problem Sleuth, when PS was commanded to play a PS 0304 (haunting tuba refrain). However, he refused, because the tuba in question was encrusted with filth from years of neglect.

"Punch &lt;noun&gt; in snout to establish &lt;adjectival noun&gt;"
 * Ace Dick is prone to expressing himself through violence, and tends to exert his Emotions in PS 1363 (this) PS 1081 (fashion). Oddly enough, it usually results in him gaining allies. HS 3080 (Recently ported) to the Midnight Crew Intermission in Homestuck. A salamander in [S] ACT 4 ==>  contemplates punching the Heir in the snout to accomplish... some purpose, if he ever meets him. Also referenced HS 4648 (here).

Retrieve arms"
 * Based on the fact that character arms are often not drawn when by the character's side. This command is often the first command given to a new character when they appear. This is a pun based on the word "HS 4965 (armaments)", i.e. weapons.

"This is incredibly..."
 * In Problem Sleuth, several of Pickle Inspector's actions have been described PS 0954 (in) PS 1078 (this) PS 1765 (manner). It has also been seen in Homestuck HS 2397 (more) HS 2197 (than) HS 2665 (once), including in the HS 3210 (Midnight Crew intermission). A common specific variant, "This is incredibly silly!", usually PS 1009 (involves), but occasionally HS 2655 (doesn't).

" in disgust"
 * A command common among the male characters in Problem Sleuth establishing their disgust in recent events. It doesn't matter whether they are PS 1226 (good) or PS 1411 (bad), nor how much they try and PS 1612 (resist), or even if they are PS 1649 (alive) or not, sooner or later PS 1613 (the hat will fly)! This gag was HS 2452 (extended) to Homestuck, as well as the HS 3206 (Midnight Crew Intermission). Jane recently HS 6167 (threw hers down) HS 6168 (in such disgust) that she managed to HS 6169 (level up as a result). Her hat appropriately HS 6170 (shares in the glorious spoils).

Weapon/Object Duality
 * Weapons in Problem Sleuth may be exchanged with PS 0220 (something) PS 0668 (else), also known as an innocuous double, often when it's most inconvenient. The next frame typically gives an explanation of why it's ridiculous to think the character ever had such an object in the first place. This extends to the Midnight Crew in Homestuck, who keep all their items as decks of cards, and even appears briefly in Hivebent as Kanaya's weapon. Later it's revealed that 's Cairo Overcoat and cane both also have innocuous double. Or more accurately, the cane is the (relatively) innocuous form of his actual weapon.

What pumpkin?"
 * The appearance of pumpkins, which originated from Jailbreak. As pumpkins are rather elusive, it's often very difficult to actually tell if there has ever been one in the room. This may have been caused by Jake, who appearified several pumpkins after discovering his Transmaterializer.

"X has been slain."
 * This has been used numerous times in Problem Sleuth and HS 2383 (used) HS 5285 (twice) in Homestuck.

"X: Land already"
 * Similarly to the above, this is used in Problem Sleuth and Homestuck to switch perspective to another character. In this case, one who has been falling, usually while other characters have been the focus. Has been used for Problem Sleuth (PS 0647 (here) and PS 0763 (here)), Nervous Broad (PS 1065 (here)), Hysterical Dame (PS 1684 (here)), John (HS 4531 (here)), Jade (HS 4557 (here)), Tavros (HS 5198 (here)) and most recently Roxy (HS 6412 (here)).

"You become... My God... YOU BECOME... X.
 * Followed by complaints about imagination and how you'd somehow harm your own (or someone else's) imagination in the face. It was applied to Ace Dick PS 1717 (here) when he combined himself with his alternate selves, and later applied to the Draconian Dignitary HS 6845 (here) when he put on the Ring of Orbs Nofold.

"YOU (VERB) THAT (NOUN) THIS INSTANT!"
 * This cry of rage has so far appeared twice, originally in a Problem Sleuth donation comic, and more recently seen in Act 5 Act 1 of Homestuck. It was first uttered by Ace Dick while playing a game of Hunk Rump: The Gathering. In an attempt to get Problem Sleuth to hurry up and finish his turn, he begins to urge PS to . In its second appearance, Hearts Boxcars tries to get a doubt-filled Tavros to get up and kiss Vriska. When Tavros refuses due to his inability to stand up, Hearts Boxcars HS 4450 (flips out). Most recently, has commanded the Handmaid to "HS 5939 (render [herself] in a more symbolic manner this instant)".

Gags in Problem Sleuth
"Fall in a more manner."
 * This has been used multiple times: Problem Sleuth PS 643 (in a more hard-boiled manner), Pickle Inspector PS 662 (in a sillier manner), and Nervous Broad PS 1006 (in a more nervous manner).

"I don't know why you haven't "
 * Some actions occur on their own, and the action notifies the player that they most likely should have thought of this MONTHS ago, or that something is so simple that the player shouldn't question its obviousness.

"Ride like a "
 * A command often given toward objects that clearly should not be ridden like a mechanical bull.

Trying to use Sepulchritude
 * Problem Sleuth has had to PS 0876 (hold) PS 0930 (off) PS 0970 (on) PS 1106 (using) PS 1282 (Sepulchritude) many times, until it is finally PS 1708 (used).

Gags in Homestuck
It's worth noting that implies that callbacks are HS 5710 (an integral part of paradox space) and that HS 5717 (events often repeat again and again). In other words, many of the callbacks and recurring gags in Homestuck might be explainable in-universe as possible instances of circumstantial simultaneity.


 * x2 Double Facepalm Combo
 * HS 2550 (First used) by Rose in the Mausoleum, then by Karkat HS 3808 (at his computer), and later HS 4385 (not quite accomplished) by Spades Slick (directly after his past self HS 4382 (successfully accomplished it), albeit centuries before). In HS 5660 ([S] Flip), Terezi pulled off a x3 Triple Facepalm Combo, with the aid of Lil' Cal (pap). The gag is later subverted with 's HS 5761 (Facepalm x0 Combo) and Bec Noir's HS 7265 (Facepaw x1 Combo).
 * Additionally, some stairs cause a HS 5325 (HAPPEN x2 COMBOB) and, later, a HS 7323 (DRUNK HAPPEN xROSE COMBOBOB).


 * Acrobatic fucking pirouette
 * Several characters use this phrase, or a variation thereof, to describe how they are going to flip out if an annoying event continues to happen. It is a dramatic exaggeration of the phrase "fly off the handle". First HS 2422 (mentioned by Dave) (repeated HS 2511 (here)) when he was getting fed up with Bro's weird puppets, and actually carried out in HS 2565 ([S] Dave: Ascend to the highest point of the building.). It is next done by Dave and the jutting out and impudent plush, HS 3736 (into one another's hearts). Sollux threatens to do an HS 3615 (athletiic fuckiing 2omer2ault) off the deep end if he sees any more tangled wires. Dave claims he is doing HS 3758 (some kind of spectacular fucking jackknife off the loop) when Davesprite is talking to Rose. Dave later HS 4674 (warns Terezi off using the phrase) to taunt him. Terezi performs one in HS 5644 ([S] Seer: Ascend), mirroring Dave's flash. Such acrobatics are also used to dismount objects in an ironically ungraceful manner; Dave HS 5602 (off a sword), and Gamzee HS 3916 (off Unireal Air). When Hussie gets HS 4391 (too self-indulgent), MSPA Readers swear they will do one "off the stump and blow their brains out if it doesn't stop keep happening." Dirk tells Jane that Jake needs to be more skeptical, and not HS 6156 (take a Pollyanna jackknife ass-first off whatever turnip truck is blowing through town that day). And the Auto-Responder, when Dirk asks him if he can handle overseeing Jane's entry into the game, claims he will HS 6463 (perform an acrobatic pirouette on to the handle, wherein the handle literally represents his ability to handle that thing), following it up with an extended metaphor about marrying the handle. Also used when Jane HS 7436 (absconds), along with some lass scampering, a couple of youth rolls, and a nice abscond.


 * "Addiction is a powerful thing."
 * Stated in many of the introductory panels of both kids and trolls.


 * "All the s. ."
 * Appears all over Act 5 in most of the instances where trolls are speaking of ALL of something. ALL OF IT. First shows up when Sollux is HS 3976 (introduced). Other than Sollux's case, it HS 4096 (frequently) HS 4122 (involves) HS 4196 (Vriska), but has also been used by HS 4341 (Feferi), HS 4367 (Eridan) and HS 4692 (Karkat) (when talking to Vriska). The variation "HS 4359 (None of them)" has also been used. Rose goes into somewhat of an HS 4804 (extended metaphor) of the gag, using the terms "exhaustive posession" and "monopolization".


 * A recurring introductory set of lines in Pesterlogs
 * An introduction from a troll, a reaction with multiple 'o's (or zeroes) from the victim, the line "So I guess A is finally the B you C everything D," followed by an emoticon. Three examples, in the order in which they appeared in the story line, are as follows; it is also notable that, in the first and second of the examples, the phrase "Is there nothing I can do to change your mind?" is given after the emoticon. In the third, "Is there nothing I can do to ease your mind?" is given after a long pep talk.
 * HS 2759 (Karkat and Jade); A =, B = , C = , and D =
 * HS 4039 (Kanaya and Aradia); A =, B = , C = , and D =
 * HS 6044 (Calliope and Jane); A =, B = , C = , and D =.


 * Backup clothing
 * In the Midnight Crew Intermission, the Midnight Crew all have backup hats, and has a backup Cairo Overcoat.


 * Being entrenched in stuff
 * Originally used in HS 2999 (Dave's confrontations with Tavros), Dave refers to his and Karkat's entrenchment through HS 6618 (penis ouija).


 * Being fuck-deep in stuff
 * Dave gets "HS 2422 (burrowed fuck deep) into lively, fluffy muppet buttock," Roxy HS 6502 (emerges from fuck deep) in meowcats, and Dave later mentions he's "HS 6608 (been fuck deep) in alt daves before." Caliborn also HS 7397 (surmises) that his goal in Sburb is to confront Yaldabaoth.


 * Big no
 * A character is drawn in scribble mode (usually inside the Tricksterlog/Dialoglog) as having their hands on their head and yelling an incredibly long "NOOOOOOO...OOOO!" It is HS 7623 (first seen) with Jake, in response to Jane's declaration of how caucasian peachy she feels. It is later HS 8230 (used (repeatedly) by John) when Jane stabs Karkat, much to Jade's irritation. The third character to do it is Dave, while HS 8289 (diving after WV.)


 * Blast off.
 * Done by HS 3539 (John) HS 3652 (three) HS 4635 (times), HS 4413 (Sollux), and HS 7612 (Trickster Jane).


 * Commonly used as an all purpose reaction to... well, almost anything. Rose, John, Jade, Kanaya, Feferi and even Spades Slick have expressed their thoughts about someone or something using some sort of BLUH. Terezi claims to be HS 3535 (unfazed by our human bluhs). Characters engaging in a BLUH are often depicted in Scribble Mode.
 * Commonly used as an all purpose reaction to... well, almost anything. Rose, John, Jade, Kanaya, Feferi and even Spades Slick have expressed their thoughts about someone or something using some sort of BLUH. Terezi claims to be HS 3535 (unfazed by our human bluhs). Characters engaging in a BLUH are often depicted in Scribble Mode.


 * "Boy. You there, boy."
 * A standard greeting from Exile to player, occasionally followed by an instruction to "quit all this scurrying around". Used by HS 2152 (WV) and HS 4406 (CD). Spades Slick instead opts for "HS 3254 (Hey kid. Yeah you.)" addresses the Handmaid in  HS 5976 (a) HS 5977 (similar) HS 5978 (manner), as does the Condesce to Jane HS 7597 (via the Tiaratop.)


 * "Bring me a horse and I am yours forever."
 * First used by Hussie in the first part of Openbound as an optional task. It was then used again in the third part by Horuss, this time necessary to proceed through the game.


 * Butler island
 * Dave was served HS 3293 (like a dude on butler island) during his strife with his Bro. Sollux later predicts that he will get his ass served to him twofold, HS 3982 (liike two dude2 on doublebutler ii2land). Later, Dave becomes like a dude on butler island; HS 5315 (i mean, a dude who happens to be one of the butlers), since he became the server player for both Rose and Jade. Also, Jake worries that HS 6148 (he might get served like a dude on butler island if he lets his guard down). Unfortunately, HS 6476 (this worry reaches fruition.)


 * Carrying five or more computers
 * Like a sensible person. Except for John, who simply does not know any better keeps firing it out of his Sylladex, losing it in a sea of oil, giving his Sylladex to someone with the computer still inside.


 * Crumpling paper in anger
 * HS 2565 (Dave), HS 5644 (Terezi), HS 3568 (Jack Noir) and HS 6472 (the Draconian Dignitary) have all been seen crumpling paper in anger.


 * "Cut to the chase and immediately."
 * Used in the introductions of HS 3932 (Terezi) and HS 4002 (Tavros).


 * Spades Slick spends much of the Midnight Crew Intermission breaking the 1000 clocks in mansion. He later destroys 's clock, marking a total of HS 5761 (1001/1000 clocks destroyed). Arguably, this is paralleled by Jack Noir, who upon arrival in the trolls' session fights a thousand-strong army of doomed timeline Aradiabots. Since they are robots of the Maid of Time, they are feasibly describable as "time-related devices". In other words, 1000/1000 Aradiabots Destroyed. Then the alpha Aradiabot blows up – in a sense also destroyed by Jack, as it's caused by Aradia's god tier ascension when he destroys the trolls' Derse – making it 1001/1000.
 * Spades Slick spends much of the Midnight Crew Intermission breaking the 1000 clocks in mansion. He later destroys 's clock, marking a total of HS 5761 (1001/1000 clocks destroyed). Arguably, this is paralleled by Jack Noir, who upon arrival in the trolls' session fights a thousand-strong army of doomed timeline Aradiabots. Since they are robots of the Maid of Time, they are feasibly describable as "time-related devices". In other words, 1000/1000 Aradiabots Destroyed. Then the alpha Aradiabot blows up – in a sense also destroyed by Jack, as it's caused by Aradia's god tier ascension when he destroys the trolls' Derse – making it 1001/1000.


 * Drinking something one is not supposed to
 * A character attempts to drink something that looks tantalizing, only to retch in disgust and find out otherwise. Often goes hand in hand with BLUH and, accordingly, Scribble Mode. So far, this has happened to John with his HS 3342 ("apple juice") (in Dave's imagination), Rose with one of her mother's HS 3442 (martinis), Kanaya with the HS 4240 (blood) of her just-deceased lusus, Feferi with some HS 4354 (Troll Tab), and the Wizardly Vassal with HS 5301 (shaving cream) (though the latter kept on drinking it anyway). The latest one is Roxy when she drank her martini, much like Rose but with HS 6381 (completely the opposite reaction). Eridan would have also HS 4377 (done this) with Faygo, but he considered it unnecessary since it's just soda, no big deal.


 * Dropping things
 * Picking up things or taking them out of the Sylladex can cause other items captchalogued in there to eject, often violently and in a hilarious fashion.


 * Tensei's muzak ditty has now appeared in Homestuck no fewer than twelve times. It remains to be seen if there is any significance to the fact that Caliborn HS 7385 (finds it painfully horrendous) and the crew of Vriska's ship HS 7881 (have been practicing it).
 * Tensei's muzak ditty has now appeared in Homestuck no fewer than twelve times. It remains to be seen if there is any significance to the fact that Caliborn HS 7385 (finds it painfully horrendous) and the crew of Vriska's ship HS 7881 (have been practicing it).


 * "Everybody out of the god damn way."
 * "[You/I] got a A full of B, a C full of D, and an E full of F."
 * HS 3158 (Clubs Deuce); A = hat, B = bomb, C = fist, D = penis, E = head and F = empty.
 * HS 6558 (Roxy); A = lab, B = cats, C = skirt, D = scamper, E = head and F = vodka.
 * HS 6609 (Karkat); A =, B = , C = , D = , E = and F =.


 * "Farmin' these goddamn X. Fuckin' pain in the ass."
 * Hearts Boxcars is left HS 3235 (farmin' these goddamn horses) after knocks him into a different calendar year. Salamander mushroom farmers express HS 3258 (similar sentiments.)


 * Faux typos
 * Especially used by trolls. Common examples are 'bunp', 'sign' (for 'sigh'), 'jegus', etc. Also a favorite of Roxy's (how many are alcohol-induced and how many are intentional is unclear).


 * Flash page back buttons
 * Starting with HS 007931 (this flash) and including the HS 007946 (three) HS 007966 (subsequent) HS 007973 (ones), the back buttons are changed to do different tasks rather than restarting the flash animation.
 * If the back button is clicked on the first instance, the button disappears and the word "why" appears above where the button was.
 * In attempting to click the back button in the second flash, the button changes positions and dimensions. If the reader continues to roll over the button, Nic Cage's face appears. Clicking the face returns the button to the corner and Nic Cage says, "boner."
 * The third flash's back button causes many back buttons to appear. Only one button resets the flash, clicking another button will make a honk play, indicating the reader clicked the wrong button.
 * Clicking the fourth flash's back button repeatedly creates sun designs (possibly alluding to Yaldabaoth's head) out of many flash buttons, but clicking any button will "advance" the progress. Eventually, each sun is replaced with a grid of Nic Cage faces. Clicking any face makes the animation pan to a poorly rendered National Treasure poster. Nic again says, "boner."


 * off things
 * When not specifically doing acrobatic fucking pirouettes, things generally HS 2487 (fly off handles), or hooks, in a manner requiring increasingly exaggerated metaphors. For instance, HS 2352 (the hook being dead to that shit), HS 3677 (the hook filing for divorce) from that shit and seeking custody of the hook and the shit's two kids, HS 3975 (shit wanting to reconcile) with the handle, and perhaps seek marital counseling, HS 4046 (the handle being a bald guy) going really fast and Sollux being his toupee, and most of all, Karkat upping his standard shit-flipping by HS 5331 (threatening to flip his shit) "".


 * Headdesk and beating of the back of the head
 * Done by HS 3831 (Karkat) during a flash animation and by HS 4368 (Eridan) during a normal panel. Later by HS 007614 (Gamzee) after seeing Trickster Jane using some majyyk/magic.


 * "He is already here"
 * Usually in relation to, referring to his ability to travel to any time and place he wants. The phrase is first used when HS 3992 (discussing the virus) that will summon into the universe, HS 5531 (repeated) by  to Rose, and HS 5980 (later used) by  himself when he HS 5981 (confronts the Handmaid). When  appears in Hussie's manor, our beloved author notes that  is always already here. There are also four cases of the phrase referring to someone other than . The HS 4875 (first) is applied to Jack Noir by Vriska, the HS 5515 (second) to Spades Slick by , the HS 6747 (third) and her Imperious Condescion by Dirk, and the HS 6547 (fourth) to the Imperial Drones by Caliborn. In the instance where it refers to Slick however, it is to lead the viewer to believe he will be English. It is HS 7009 (also used by Calliope) referring to Caliborn, who is technically Lord English's younger self.


 * "Hey." "Sup."
 * Used when Dave is greeting a fellow Dave or another character. HS 3551, HS 4735, HS 6596.


 * "Huge bitch"
 * This choice of descriptor HS 3196 (first showed up) in the Midnight Crew Intermission. The next was in Act 4, in a HS 3568 (big flash page). The next appearance is in Hivebent, HS 4094 (just before) Vriska's introduction. The HS 4206 (most recent instance) mirrors the second one. With the appearance of this gag comes a scribble of the targeted person, generally accompanied by a "BLUH BLUH". So far, only the Black Queen, and Vriska are considered huge bitches, but more recently, as Rose is busy being her typical cryptic self and leaves John hanging to deal with two trolls, he refers to her as a HS 4824 (HUGE WITCH).


 * "I am the X. It's me."
 * Repeated on several occasions. This is a reference to.


 * thoughts
 * When characters are first introduced in Homestuck, they get HS 1916 (insanely) HS 2119 (idiotic) HS 2215 (thoughts) which normally consist of acting like an animal and besmirching their surroundings via some bodily discharge. They usually get these thoughts after trying to retrieve their arms. Though those thoughts often got cancelled, Jade HS 2674 (goes) HS 2675 (ahead) with hers. Dave doesn't do it but it is HS 5603 (mentioned) here as well as done by Brobot HS 6176 (Here).


 * "Immutable fact I am stating... does not mean"
 * Karkat tells John that all troll kids hate all human kids during an HS 3294 (attempt to communicate helpfully) with him, and calls John an idiot so that he can clearly explain why he is not trying to be mean to him. Terezi later HS 3424 (assures Rose) that she is being helpful, but friendship just isn't taking place. Next it is again Karkat, stating that HS 3567 (the trolls hate them), but that isn't any reason to withhold information. Kanaya HS 4039 (informs) Aradia that, although it is immutable that Sgrub will be terrible and although they are not on the same team, she will still be helpful.


 * Ironic proximity to some horses
 * A character or object's being in the proximity of some horses is stated to be ironic, though no explanation for why it should be considered ironic is ever provided. During his showdown with, Hussie HS 6702 (claims) that it would be ironic if  died in the proximity of some horses, and when  appears to be confused by the claim Hussie tells him to "" After taking over the narrative and finding Hussie's secret hatch, Caliborn HS 8169 (wonders) if the hatch's contents being in the proximity of some toy horses is supposed to be ironic. Later, during the second act of "Homosuck," Caliborn HS 8397 (says) that "Alpha Male"'s adventure starting in the proximity of some horses is ironic, then tells the reader to think it over.


 * Irons in the fire
 * Used by various trolls throughout the comic, much to the dismay of Karkat, who was the first to use it. It is formally addressed by Karkat on several occasions, usually after saying "Don't you dare say it", or something along those lines. A variation occurs in HS 4228 (Kanaya's conversation with Feferi) when Kanaya says "Burdens In The Fire" which means the opposite, but kind of has the same idea to it.


 * "IS THIS YOU"
 * Used by Terezi to attempt to troll Dave by sending him pictures of various badasses males that bear the most minimal of resemblance to him. One instance led Davesprite to compliment Terezi's trolling methods, although he could have been trolling her in turn. Thus far, several variants have been used in two HS 3557 (different) HS 3835 (conversations) between Dave and Terezi. More recently, Calliope has used it for Dirk and Roxy, and Caliborn has used a variant for himself with Dirk and Jane.


 * "It's hard being X. It's hard, and nobody understands"
 * Repeated on several occasions.
 * First by Eridan HS 4243 (to Kanaya)
 * Then by Hussie (Mothersprite?) HS 4290 (to Kanaya)
 * Then, much later, by Roxy HS 6392 (to AR)
 * Uses "" instead of "nobody"
 * Last used by Hussie when HS 7346 (narrating for Caliborn)


 * Just sort of...
 * Involves Hussie's narration on one page and the completion of the phrase in a command or an action on the next page.
 * First used when narrating for HS 3923 (Gamzee) - Gamzee gets his husktop
 * Hussie HS 5978 (uses it) himself after "defeating" - he gets the repaired disc for the Homestuck game.
 * Used when Roxy HS 6509 (takes) the totes baller scarf
 * Used when Jake HS 6955 (takes) a Fenestrated wall
 * The two most recent occurrences listed above both share a similar quality. In addition to the completion of the phrase in a command for the next panel, the next panel's narration begins with "You just sort of X."
 * There are other pseudo-occurrences where the phrase "just sort of" ends a line and is picked up on the next line.
 * Feferi wants to be HS 4367 ("just sort of regular friends instead") of moirails with Eridan
 * Davesprite to Dave about HS 4737 ("releasing himself.")
 * Dave to Karkat about HS 8125 ("hopping up and like flying away" from the meteor.)


 * Kanaya getting knocked off the lab's teleporter pad
 * As someone else teleports from the other end. First by Eridan in Kanaya: Return to the core. Later by Karkat on HS 6609 (this page). Kanaya lampshades the recurrent nature of the gag the second time around.


 * Legendary infinite X
 * Dirk taking a legendary infinite shower, and Jane hoping that Dad is having one of his legendary infinite carwashes.


 * Legendary piece of shit
 * Used to refer to a legendary weapon that fails to live up to its hype, such as the broken HS 4729 (Caledfwlch) and HS 5076 (Ahab's Crosshairs).


 * for slaying the imp
 * Objects used by Rose to smash imps are given their own ranking on the Echeladder. These objects include John's fridge, his bathtub, and the old copy of Colonel Sassacre's Daunting Text of Magical Frivolity and Practical Japery. Later on, Jane's hat also levels up for being perfectly thrown down.


 * "Lousy (goddamn) stupid ."
 * So far, every kid save for Dave has HS 2280 (voiced) his or her HS 2460 (disgust) for HS 2812 (something) in this HS 2963 (manner). Sollux, in a similar but not-quite-the-same manner, and in a 2X DISGUST COMBO, expresses his distaste for HS 4047 (lousy stupid goddamn) psychics and his window. The Salamander mushroom farmer also said this about the mushrooms. Eridan HS 4692 (uses the phrase) when talking about a witch seer. (Be Future Eridan.) Vriska also expressed distaste for a HS 4104 (supportive friend) in this manner, as did HS 5458 (Bec Noir).


 * Magic's realness, or lack thereof
 * Hussie, throughout the comic, switches magic from real (e.g. Rose after she crafts her magical needles) to fake (E.g. Eridan´s introduction), keeping it consistently inconsistent. The gag was taken from one of Hussie's unfinished works, a novel titled Wizardy Herbert.


 * "Make-believe time is over"
 * "Oh God what has he done? ? Please tell me that's just . Please just be please just be please just be . Haha, ok, make-believe time is over! Oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god."
 * Difficulty accepting the death of a cherished one. Technically, this is first seen in HS 2465 (Bro's comic). The gag then HS 4370 (takes place after) Karkat finds Sollux dead after the Vast Glub (substance = ). Later, he HS 5250 (repeats it) after watching Eridan slaughter Feferi and Kanaya (substance = ). After that, it is repeated by Hussie himself HS 5288 (before he tries to revive Rufio) (substance = mohawk dye). The gag is probably a reference to Cheerfulbear - PLAY ME.


 * Mouth close-ups
 * In A6A6I1, Hussie gave Jane an extreme mouth close-ups with the quote "HS 8346", and continued the gag in A6A6I2, with Meenah ("HS 8468"), Jane again with a more extreme close-up ("HS 8471"), Jake ("HS 8472"), and ARquiusprite ("HS 8505").


 * Not seeing why things have to be a federal fucking issue
 * John doesn't see why HS 2067 (managing one's strife specibus) needs to be a, nor why HS 7190 (Con Air 's music) needs to make things into a . Meanwhile, Rose doesn't see why HS 7310 (dates) have to be a , either.


 * " sure is/are !"


 * HS 3969 (Trolls,) HS 4296 (troll reproduction,) HS 4528 HS 4632 ([the kids'] ,) HS 4761 (Jade's family) and HS 5310 (human fashion and transportation and safety) sure are weird! Similarly, HS 4241 (troll romance) and HS 4410 (troll etiquette) sure are confusing! And to top it off, HS 2755 ([Jade's Grandpa] sure is a bag of wind,) HS 4340 (royalty sure is civilized) and HS 4613 (human friendship sure is complicated.)


 * Object piles
 * Jade's Squiddles, Rose's scarves, Gamzee's horns, Equius's broken robots and Eridan's shitty wands. Dave's Bro's jumble of unbelievably shitty swords may also count. The only unique case is Vriska, since while she does have piles of dice and 8-balls lying around her hive, she was not the one to pile them; rather, they were piled by Kanaya, who was simply cleaning her room. However, Vriska does have a pile of boondollars and boonbucks from her FLARP conquests in her secret room.


 * "Oh nooooo..."
 * Generally with various letters repeated. Fairly self-explanatory. Please make sure to read it in the proper tone of mental voice. First instance: Jade HS 2759 (hears from Karkat) again, the first time from our perspective. In the second instance, Jade is thwarted HS 3282 (one more time) by a pumpkin. In the third instance, dream Jade's HS 3344 (reaction) to the accidentally impaled crow. Another example is Nepeta's HS 4195 (comment) on her shipping wall to the possible matespritship of Karkat and Vriska. Happens again when Jake HS 6133 (accidentally kills a fairy bull). HS 3924 (This time) doesn't count. Kanaya HS 4039 (hears it from Aradia). There is another HS 3292 (similar example) when John is contacted by Karkat for the frist time in Act 4.


 * PCHOOOOO
 * This, and variants, are used as a sound effect or captcha code for anything rocket related, like a rocket pack or rocket shoes.


 * Proud notes
 * Used by Dad to offer encouragement on the go to John and Jane for various things. Nannasprite is also HS 2659 (so proud) of John. Davesprite HS 7197 (imitates the notes), much to John's fury. Caliborn is HS 7345 (so, so proud of himself), and.
 * Happy Birthday son. I am so proud of you.
 * Daughter, If you are reading this, it means you are strong enough to lift the fridge. You have become a mature, powerful woman. I have never been so proud. Now be a good girl, put the fridge down, and stay inside.


 * Before something cool is about to happen, Hussie suddenly shifts the story to focus on another character. The first time this happens is when Rose leaves the observatory to HS 2208 (confront her mother), which is interrupted with "OH PSYCHE" and switches to Dave's introduction. Worthy of note is the HS 2565 (X2 DOUBLE PSYCHEOUT COMBO) and, eventually, an attempt at a HS 2656 (5X CLIFFHANGER COMBO) and the cause of an UNPSYCHE. On HS 2818 (this page) there's a PRELOADER PSYCHEOUT luring the reader into thinking it's Dave's Strife page when in it is really Jade's. There were no further psycheouts for almost 4500 pages, until the HS 7268 ("end" of Act 6 Intermission 3). Less than HS 7324 (60 pages later) where "literally the worst psycheout in Homestuck to date" occurs which is immediately followed by a pre-loader psycheout.
 * Before something cool is about to happen, Hussie suddenly shifts the story to focus on another character. The first time this happens is when Rose leaves the observatory to HS 2208 (confront her mother), which is interrupted with "OH PSYCHE" and switches to Dave's introduction. Worthy of note is the HS 2565 (X2 DOUBLE PSYCHEOUT COMBO) and, eventually, an attempt at a HS 2656 (5X CLIFFHANGER COMBO) and the cause of an UNPSYCHE. On HS 2818 (this page) there's a PRELOADER PSYCHEOUT luring the reader into thinking it's Dave's Strife page when in it is really Jade's. There were no further psycheouts for almost 4500 pages, until the HS 7268 ("end" of Act 6 Intermission 3). Less than HS 7324 (60 pages later) where "literally the worst psycheout in Homestuck to date" occurs which is immediately followed by a pre-loader psycheout.

"There isn't one quote in HS which is attributed correctly."
 * Quote

- Homestuck Book 1 commentary.


 * The narration will often include a quote, only to attribute it to the wrong person. This happens in the cases of HS 1950 (Mark Twain) (Shakespeare), HS 1982 (Walt Whitman) (François de La Rochefoucauld), HS 2207 (Charles Barkley) (T. S. Eliot), HS 2344 (John Keats) (Snoop Dogg), HS 4888 (Charles Dutton) (also Shakespeare), and HS 8161 (Cherub Shakespeare) (HS 6257 (Dave Strider)). There was also HS 3902 (one attributed to) Troll Will Smith in Karkat's ~ATH handbook (John Oxenham).


 * "RAAARARRAAUUUAAAAUUAGHGHGGHGGGGHHGH!"
 * An exclamation used in anger. Hussie was the first to use it, in the alt text of two HS 5968 (banner) HS 5973 (images) during the narrative. It has since been used by HS 6621 (Karkat), HS 7199 (John), HS 7429 (Jane), HS 7479 (Roxy) (without an exclamation mark), HS 7939 (Vriska), HS 7959 (Kanaya) (with only the first letter capitalized) and HS 8424 (John again).


 * non-speaking characters
 * Typically, each new naming is of the opposite gender to the old name. Seen with Vodka Mutini (aka Dr. Meowgon Spengler), Casey (aka Viceroy Bubbles Von Salamancer), Liv Tyler (aka Terry Kiser), Jaspers (aka Frigglish), and Serenity (aka doctor blinkbottom/twinkly herbert).


 * Used when a character is close to an item that may be HS 2352 (tempting to use) or HS 2808 (touch), or is otherwise subject to a temptation, such as HS 5544 (revenge). This usually ends in the character HS 3677 (failing to resist) the urge, but HS 3231 (not always.)
 * Used when a character is close to an item that may be HS 2352 (tempting to use) or HS 2808 (touch), or is otherwise subject to a temptation, such as HS 5544 (revenge). This usually ends in the character HS 3677 (failing to resist) the urge, but HS 3231 (not always.)


 * "Reunite with loving..."
 * HS 3500 (Originally) HS 3831 (used) to fondly regard Con Air, but has now extended HS 4543 (beyond) HS 4624 (that).


 * Ripping out one's heart
 * And crushing it with one's robotic arm. This has been discussed on two occasions so far: by Vriska for her HS 4176 (cerulean heart), and much later by Dirk's auto-responder for the brobot's HS 6092 (uranium heart). Both cases were followed by robots enacting it; first the Aradiabot by HS 4189 (removing her robotic heart) and then HS 4190 (beating it to a pulp), and then by the brobot in HS 6487 (removing the uranium) from its body, HS 6489 (smashing it to pieces), and HS 6492 (promptly exploding).


 * ROBOSLAP
 * HS 3349 (Here) and HS 4123 (here).


 * flammability
 * Shaving cream is initially expected to be flame-suppressant by both the HS 3379 (Authority Regulator) and HS 3385 (John). However, John is quickly made to revise this expectation drastically with the revelation of HS 3386 (OH GOD HOW CAN SHAVING CREAM BE SO FLAMMABLE). Later, examining the flagpole in HS 4979 ([S] John: Enter Village) references the selfsame flammability. This gag does end up as a Funny Aneurysm, however, HS 6006 (shortly before the end of Act 5 Act 2).


 * "(Shucks) buster"
 * First HS 6056 (said) by Jane, then Roxy right afterwards. HS 6092 (Jake) says it to the Auto-responder, who then HS 6392 (says) it to Roxy. It seems to be a common statement even when HS 8298 (possessed by evil headgear), albeit with a slightly more demanding demeanor.


 * "Solicit profound wisdom from X."
 * Where X is usually a hopelessly unhelpful source. Done by HS 7416 (Jake), HS 7556 (Dirk), and HS 7585 (Jane).


 * Primarily 'shoosh', 'pap', 'nak' and 'doof', not always in appropriate places. On the other hand, several items have struck someone on the head with a satisfying 'BONK' or even 'bap'.
 * Primarily 'shoosh', 'pap', 'nak' and 'doof', not always in appropriate places. On the other hand, several items have struck someone on the head with a satisfying 'BONK' or even 'bap'.


 * Stuff being "for babies who poop hard in their diapers"
 * Mentioned by HS 2287 (John), HS 3067 (Spades Slick) and (with slightly more b100-b100ded vocabulary) HS 4062 (Equius). Also used HS 6194 (here), somewhat ironically, to refer to boondollars being inferior to Kiddie Camper Handysashes. John also mentions HS 3594 (pooping in his pants too hard) from laughing at Dave's remarks.


 * "STRIIIIIIIIDDDDDDEEEERRRRR!!!"
 * Used when angry at Dave. Rose shouted it when she was trying to enter Sburb, and John at his Fraymotif shop. Jake also does this when Dirk's dream splinter starts messing with him in a dream bubble. John also exclaimed this upon reading Davesprite's note to him.


 * Stunning
 * No way did anyone see that twist coming. Used for Aradia's HS 4092 (all-the-time death), and (unsuccessfully) for the fact that the trolls HS 4217 (have one session and not two). In fact, if Hussie states that something is a shocking twist, it probably isn't. For example, Dad's room turning out to be perfectly ordinary.


 * Sweet Catch
 * Appears when one of the main characters catches something at very high speeds.


 * Taking dogs out behind the woodshed
 * Both Dave and John think Jade should take Bec out behind the woodshed, though they have HS 2282 (differing) HS 3291 (views) on what to do with him next. Hussie had to take Falcor out behind the woodshed and blow his brains out HS 5133 (after he caught the rabies.)


 * " in the , ..."
 * This expression is used a lot of times in Homestuck, to change the story's current time to go to the HS 2341 (past) or to the HS 2623 (future), as the story occurs in HS 2152 (both) simultaneously. "But not many" appears as Daedric text in HS 6565 ([S] Jane: Enter.)


 * "That didn't stop..."
 * Used in situations mentioning something that has not been shown in the story in a decent amount of time, such as "That didn't stop being a thing that was real or anything" or "That didn't stop being true."


 * "That's really all there is to say on the matter"
 * Dave and John will often summarize their situation quickly, then say this. HS 2437 (That's) HS 2536 (really) HS 2903 (all) HS 2972 (there) HS 3557 (is) HS 3742 (to) HS 4077 (say) on the matter. Additionally, when Vriska forces Tavros to HS 4075 (jump off a cliff), he HS 4077 (types) "That's really all there is to report on the subject of me getting hurt", imitating Dave's pose from after being bested by his Bro. Dirk has also used this when talking about his love for puppets. It happens again after HS 6475 (Jake) fought and lost against the Brobot. Kanaya later provides something of a summary of WV, and concludes HS 7959


 * "That was the plan. To give you a boner. And you got one."
 * A line said by Nicolas Cage in the movie Snake Eyes which appears in the HS darkcage (Dark Cage) Easter egg from HS 6273 (Karkat: Mental breakdown). HS 6777 (Jake and his Dirk projection) and HS 6870 (Caliborn) have said the line or a variation on it while talking about boners.


 * "This is an absolutely preposterous amount of X."
 * In which X can refer to money, HS 5100 (Daves), or time.


 * "This   called friendship"
 * Mentioned multiple times, with frequent debate over whether friendship is actually an emotion or not.


 * "THIS IS "
 * Used first by John, then other characters, whenever they realize something is particularly stupid. The first time he began to have a mental breakdown when he realized that Betty Crocker, his sworn nemesis, manufactures Fruit Gushers, but quickly stopped when he realised that THIS IS STUPID. It was later invoked when he ignored Dave's advice about skipping to the seventh gate and HS 3552 (blasted off anyways). Nepeta does the gesture when HS 4440 (teasing Equius for kissing Aradia), as does Karkat when entering Trickster Mode after he HS 4692 (woke up). It happens again later in Daedric when Karkat has a mental breakdown after reading John's bucket-delivered letter over the idea of HS 6273 (Troll/Human sloppy makeouts). Hussie himself is also seen enlarging the phrase over three panels, as he leans in HS 5289 (to kiss the corpse of the late Rufio.)


 * displacement
 * Newly connected Sburb players (invariably female ones, as it happens) who are still getting used to the interface seem to have a serious habit of ruining the client player's bathroom. The toilet (if we choose to use that hoity-toity, blueblooded term) is usually first to go, followed occasionally the bathtub. It's not purely restricted to the bathroom, however, as the bed will often suffer as well. Rose, Jade, Terezi, Aradia, and even Kanaya have done this.


 * "Troll this ."
 * Seen when Terezi trolls an HS 4672 (awesome coolkid) and when Karkat trolls a HS 4528 (worthless human), and echoed when Vriska HS 4534 (manipulates) a worthless human.


 * Unreal Air
 * Dave, Gamzee and Jane own the Unreal Air, Unireal Air, and Unreal Heiress Tiaratop, respectively.


 * Vriska being annoyed at having to follow explanations
 * She claims she is keeping so many notes and running out of ink, pens and paper, etc.


 * "Wear the . Be the ."
 * Used on HS 2806 (Rose), HS 5582 (John) and HS 6511 (Roxy). When used, it often involves a certain pony. Rose is also instructed to HS 3486 (Knit the scarf. Ride the ogre.)


 * "What's his/her deal????????"
 * Said by Vriska regarding HS 4176 (Aradia) and HS 4572 (John). Also said by HS 6070 (Jake), regarding Jane.


 * "Who's this ?"
 * Recurring reaction to unfamiliar faces, like Bing Crosby. Especially Bing Crosby. In HS 6844 ([S] DD: Ascend more casually), after zooming in on a portrait of Eddie Morton that has flashing -like eyes, multiple lines of "Who's this douche bag" are displayed vertically in flashing letters.

"Homestuck does its fair share to improve the vocabulary of youngsters, albeit with heavy emphasis on the first letter of the alphabet."
 * Words beginning with 'A'

- Homestuck Book 1 commentary.


 * Sometimes, obscure words of this kind are used instead of words which would be more commonly used in their place. For example, John's computer taskbar has an "Actuate" button instead of a "Start" button. During Strife, the kids can select options such as "Aggrieve", "Aggress(-passive)", "Abjure", "Abscond", "Abstain", "Abuse", "Accuse", "Assail" or "Assault". While firing at Becquerel, Jade can choose "Arraign", "Arsenalize", "Artillerate", "Armamentify"... or "Arf".


 * SPLODE
 * Certain characters or objects will explode with their own personalized explosion effect. A backhand to the face causes one of Equius's robots to HS 4129 (ROBOSPLODE), while, much later, the process of Aradia's ascension leads her to HS 5086 (BOTSPLODE). One of Dave's comics for Terezi involves a . Eridan uses his "white science" to make the Matriorb HS 5243 (HOPESPLODE). Hussie HS 5960 (AUTHORSPLODEs) out of the Handmaid's room when hunting . Tavrisprite's personalities unsurprisingly cause them to HS 6737 (Tavrispl♉de!). A dragon lusus on Jake's island causes Lil Seb to HS 7064 (glaresplode). Erisolsprite and ARquiusprite's argument drives Fefetasprite to HS 7661 ((dear, sweet, precious) FEFETASPLODE!)


 * "YES. FUCK YES. HELL FUCKING YES."
 * Generally while riding some kind of mount like a bucking bronco. The first two examples, involving HS 3672 (John riding Maplehoof) and HS 4343 (Eridan and Feferi riding seahorses), are in Scribble Mode, while the third, involving HS 4970 (Hussie riding Falcor the Luckdragon), is presented in the normal style (and with "Hell yes" instead of "Fuck yes" for the middle statement). This happens HS 8131 (one more time) in Act 6 Intermission 5 except John isn't riding anything as he does random activities to ease his boredom. Possibly an offshoot of the "Ride X like a mechanical bull" joke from Problem Sleuth. Dirk writes "Hell. Fucking. Yes." on the edited copy of Pony Pals he gave to Jane, and later HS 6461 (he and the Auto-Responder tag-team the phrase) when they discover the book survived an explosion.


 * "You cannot hope to beat  in a -off. S/he is simply the best there is."
 * You cannot hope to beat John, Tavros, Aurthour, or Kanaya in a HS 3649 (prank-off), HS 4072 (a8scond-off), HS 4113 (butler-off), or HS 4616 (snark-off), respectively. They are simply the best there are. Happens again in Act 6 Intermission 2, as Rose states, "I think you'll find that when it comes to striving for a reasonable approximation of legitimacy, we are simply the most barely adequate there is."


 * "You figure you've left him hanging long enough."
 * Both John and Dave have left various things "hanging". In HS 2098 (one of John's cases) it is used figuratively to mean that he needs to high-five the Kernelsprite; John HS 2780 (also regards his sprite's hanginghood) after he and Nannasprite kick some ogre ass. In HS 2345 (Dave's case), it is meant literally in reference to the hanging puppet in his way.


 * "You suddenly (don't) understand everything/anything."
 * HS 2785 (John). HS 4582 (John, less confident). HS 4667 (Terezi understands humans). HS 3838 (Kanaya suddenly doesn't understand anything). HS 4749 (Jade suddenly understands jack shit), as HS 4752 (Karkat reiterates). Also, HS 6451 (Dirk is sarcastic).


 * You're welcome.
 * The Courtyard Droll's calling card. First seen when HS 6793 (Jack receives a pumpkin full of knives), and again when HS 7533 (several items are delivered to Roxy). In addition, the Condesce's document for Roxy has it HS 7527 (written on the cover), it also apears in Gamzee's HS 7706 (you're mother fuckin welcome) version. On a meta level, Hussie bearing his face and the same caption; signed copies of Problem Sleuth Book 4 and Homestuck Book 2 sold through TopatoCo were embossed with the seal. The gag is a reference to a NSFW thread Hussie posted on the Penny Arcade forums about a copy of the book Wizardology that he extensively vandalized.