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 656 (other characters). Also used in the Midnight Crew Intermission, where the command HS 1177 (never) HS 1192 (gets) HS 1198 (the) HS 1216 (desired) HS 1242 (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 4567 (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). Black Inches also appears as a smut magazine in Problem Sleuth. '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 5971 (described) the serpentine mating forms of adult cherubs as "" (astronomical units).


 * "Dear, sweet, precious X"
 * PS 1522 ("First used") on dear, sweet Sonhearst, when Ace Dick Auto-Parries a bullet for him. PS 1570 (More properly used) after Sonhearst becomes Bathearst. Way, way later, it's first used in Homestuck to refer to HS 5116 (Calliope's juju), and later applied primarily to HS 5617 (dear) HS 5701 (sweet) HS 5761 (precious) HS 5818 (dear) HS 6457 (DEAR) Fefeta, usually by Roxy. In Openbound HS 5398 (part 3), one can also examine dear, sweet, beautiful, dear, precious, sweet, sweet, dear, sweet HORSEAPONI while controlling Horuss (#neigh). In A6A6I4, John recovers the HS 7225.


 * "First, be the X. Second..."
 * A command that first appears . In Homestuck, Rose is instructed to be the pony and either HS 390 (trample) or HS 1723 (follow) Mom. John is instructed to HS 1729 (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 52 (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 1502 (holds a certain appeal) for the desert night over Exile Town. Gamzee and Jane have each fondly regarded HS 3219 (the miracle of) HS 4392 (a new beginning). John has been known to HS 52 (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.
 * 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 in snout to establish "
 * 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 1180 (Also introduced) to the Midnight Crew Intermission in Homestuck. Later, 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 2748 (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 3065 (armaments)", i.e. weapons. One exception is Jade, who already has her arms out HS 763 (during that command). The command is used as wordplay later, though, with Jade being told to HS 792 (quickly retrieve firearms from her wall)


 * "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 497 (more) HS 297 (than) HS 765 (once), including in the HS 1310 (Midnight Crew intermission). A common specific variant, "This is incredibly silly!", usually PS 1009 (involves), but occasionally HS 755 (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 552 (extended) to Homestuck, as well as the HS 1306 (Midnight Crew Intermission). Jane HS 4267 (threw hers down) HS 4268 (in such disgust) that she managed to HS 4269 (level up as a result). Her hat appropriately HS 4270 (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. Also referenced by the company called What Pumpkin, which sells Homestuck merchandise.


 * "X has been slain."
 * This has been used numerous times in Problem Sleuth and HS 483 (used) HS 3385 (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 2631 (here)), Jade (HS 2657 (here)), Tavros (HS 3298 (here)) and most recently Roxy (HS 4512 (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 4945 (here) when he put on the Ring of Orbs Nofold.

"YOU COULD NOT/CANNOT DO IT. YOU COULD NOT/CANNOT (VERB) THE (NOUN)."
 * "YOU (VERB) THAT (NOUN) THIS INSTANT!"
 * This cry of rage and/or its frequent companion failure have so far appeared four times. 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 2550 (flips out). Later, Bec Noir demonstrates his his HS 3557 (inability to kill) Jade, due to the loyalty he inherited from Bec. Most recently, has commanded the Handmaid to "HS 4039 (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 commandoften 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 3810 (an integral part of paradox space) and that HS 3817 (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.


 *  like a(n)  and  on your 
 * First used by John when he is told to HS 16 (sqwawk like an imbecile and shit on his desk), second by Rose, when she is told to HS 219 (writhe like a flagellum and puke on her bed), third by Dave, where he is told to HS 315 (bleat like a goat and piss on his turntables), and lastly by Jade, who was asked to HS 774 (squeal like a piglet and fertilize some plants). All of these requests were met with reluctance by the characters, with the exception of Dave, who did consider HS 316 (bleating like a goat) at a later date. Along with Jade, who dismisses the idea first, but immediately after decides to HS 775 (do so)


 * x2 Facepalm Combo
 * HS 650 (First used) by Rose in the Mausoleum, then by Karkat HS 1908 (at his computer), and later HS 2485 (not quite accomplished) by Spades Slick (directly after his past self HS 2482 (successfully accomplished it), albeit centuries before). In HS 3760, Terezi pulled off a x3 Triple Facepalm Combo, with the aid of Lil Cal (pap). The gag is later subverted with 's HS 3861 (Facepalm x0 Combo), Bec Noir's HS 5365 (Facepaw x2 x1 Combo), and B2 Jack's HS 7712
 * Additionally, some stairs cause a HS 3425 (HAPPEN x2 COMBOB) and, later, a HS 5423 (DRUNK HAPPEN xROSE COMBOBOB).


 * A hell of a mystery...
 * Sometimes we come across the solution to HS 4357 ("...".) HS 6261 (This happens fairly often.) HS 6305 (Sometimes we don't even know we've found the solution.) HS 7458 (And sometimes we'd rather we hadn't.)


 * 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 859 (Karkat and Jade); A =, B = , C = , and D =
 * HS 2139 (Kanaya and Aradia); A =, B = , C = , and D =
 * HS 4144 (Calliope and Jane); A =, B = , C = , and D =.

Karkat's initial judgment of Jade is HS 8034 (echoed by Terezi) much later on.


 * 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 522 (mentioned by Dave) (repeated HS 611 (here)) when he was getting fed up with Bro's weird puppets, and actually carried out in HS 665. It is next done by Dave and the jutting out and impudent felt plush, HS 1836 (into one another's hearts). Sollux threatens to do an HS 1715 (athletiic fuckiing 2omer2ault) off the deep end if he sees any more tangled wires. Dave claims he is doing HS 1858 (some kind of spectacular fucking jackknife off the loop) when Davesprite is talking to Rose. Dave later HS 2774 (warns Terezi off using the phrase) to taunt him. Terezi performs one in HS 3744, mirroring Dave's flash. Such acrobatics are also used to dismount objects in an ironically ungraceful manner; Dave HS 3702 (off a sword), and Gamzee HS 2016 (off Unireal Air). When Hussie gets HS 2491 (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 . And the auto-responder, when Dirk asks him if he can handle overseeing Jane's entry into the game, claims he will HS 4563 (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 5536 (absconds), along with some lass scampering, a couple of youth rolls, and a nice abscond.

Rose threatens to do this so hard she impregnates the Incipisphere with [her] body if John keeps protesting he's not their leader.


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


 * " 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 2076 (introduced). Other than Sollux's case, it HS 2196 (frequently) HS 2222 (involves) HS 2296 (Vriska), but has also been used by HS 2441 (Feferi), HS 2467 (Eridan) and HS 2792 (Karkat) (when talking to Vriska). In Alterniabound Karkat snarks about the gag, when the that "AREN'T AN EXHAUSTIVELY QUANTIFIABLE THING AND WE BOTH FUCKING KNOW THAT". "HS 2459 (None of them)" has also been used. Rose goes into somewhat of an HS 2904 (extended metaphor) of the gag, using the terms "exhaustive possession" and "monopolization".


 * 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 1099 (Dave's confrontations with Tavros), Dave refers to his and Karkat's entrenchment through HS 4718 (penis ouija).


 * Being fuck-deep in stuff
 * Dave gets "HS 522 (burrowed fuck deep) into lively, fluffy muppet buttock," Karkat HS 3321 (remarks) that Terezi is probably burrowed fuck deep in the lab, Roxy HS 4602 (emerges from fuck deep) in meowcats (after mentioning it HS 4586 (here)), Dave later mentions he's "HS 4708 (been fuck deep) in alt daves before", and Dirk has been HS 4934 (burrowed fuck deep) in flying buttresses and purple pointy things. Caliborn also HS 5497 (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 5723 (first seen) with Jake, in response to Jane's declaration of how caucasian peachy she feels. It is later HS 6330 (used (repeatedly) by John) when Jane stabs Karkat, much to Jade's irritation. The third character to do it is Dave, while HS 6389 (diving after WV.)


 * Blast off.
 * Done by HS 1639 (John) HS 1752 (three) HS 2735 (times), HS 2513 (Sollux), and HS 5712 (Trickster Jane).


 * Commonly used as an all purpose reaction to... well, almost anything. HS 1542 (Rose), John, Jade, HS 2340 (Kanaya), HS 2454 (Feferi), HS 2477 (Eridan), and even Spades Slick have expressed their thoughts about someone or something using some sort of BLUH. Terezi claims to be HS 1635 (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. HS 1542 (Rose), John, Jade, HS 2340 (Kanaya), HS 2454 (Feferi), HS 2477 (Eridan), and even Spades Slick have expressed their thoughts about someone or something using some sort of BLUH. Terezi claims to be HS 1635 (unfazed by our human bluhs). Characters engaging in a BLUH are often depicted in Scribble Mode.


 * Boggle vacantly at these shenanigans
 * Used at HS 831 (both) HS 1356 (ends) of the Midnight Crew intermission. Jake subsequently HS 4846 (boggles vacantly) at Dirk's technical shenanigans. Caliborn HS 6261 (calls) HS 6264 (back) the reference twice.


 * "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 252 (WV) and HS 2506 (CD). Spades Slick instead opts for "HS 1354 (Hey kid. Yeah you.)" addresses the Handmaid in HS 4076 (a) HS 4077 (similar) HS 4078 (manner), as does the Condesce to Jane HS 5697 (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.


 * Dave was served HS 1393 (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 2082 (liike two dude2 on doublebutler ii2land). Later, Dave becomes like a dude on butler island; HS 3415 (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 4248 (he might get served like a dude on butler island if he lets his guard down). Unfortunately, HS 4576 (this worry reaches fruition.) In Openbound, part three, Aranea describes the Lost Weeaboos, one of the fragments is "served like a shounen [young man] on shitsuji [butler] island...".
 * Dave was served HS 1393 (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 2082 (liike two dude2 on doublebutler ii2land). Later, Dave becomes like a dude on butler island; HS 3415 (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 4248 (he might get served like a dude on butler island if he lets his guard down). Unfortunately, HS 4576 (this worry reaches fruition.) In Openbound, part three, Aranea describes the Lost Weeaboos, one of the fragments is "served like a shounen [young man] on shitsuji [butler] island...".


 * Carrying five or more computers
 * Like a sensible person. HS 3432 (Terezi) and HS 3197 (John) (much to HS 3690 (Jade's dismay)) seem to show folly in this category. HS 4182 (Jake), however, having a grandmother who advocated such thorough preparedness, is well equipped in the computational department.


 * Crumpling paper in anger
 * HS 665 (Dave), HS 3744 (Terezi), HS 1668 (Jack Noir), HS 4572 (the Draconian Dignitary), and HS 5444 (Caliborn) have all been seen crumpling paper in anger.


 * "Cut to the chase and immediately."
 * Used in the introductions of HS 2032 (Terezi) and HS 2102 (Tavros).


 * "Dear, sweet, precious X"
 * See Gags in multiple adventures


 * 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 3861 (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 3861 (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.


 * Don't turn your back on the body
 * First HS 3355 (mentioned) by as a piece of advice to Karkat. Karkat, however, HS 4357 (does not listen). Later referenced by HS 5483 (the narrative prompt), HS 7432 (Caliborn), HS 7458 (Vriska), and HS 7505 (Roxy). Dave and Dirk also HS 7674 (trade stories) of turning their backs.


 * 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 1442 ("apple juice") (in Dave's imagination), Rose with one of her mother's HS 1542 (martinis), Kanaya with the HS 2340 (blood) of her just-deceased lusus, Feferi with some HS 2454 (Troll Tab), and the Wizardly Vassal with HS 3401 (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 4481 (completely the opposite reaction). Eridan would have also HS 2477 (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.


 * EGG!
 * The creation or arrival of an obviously plot-critical HS 240 (eggy-looking thign [sic] ,) accompanied by the animated text "EGG!" This has been seen HS 1503 (when WQ?'s station appears), HS 1504 (when Dave's Cruxite item is created), and when HS 7712 (Roxy creates a Matriorb).


 * Tensei's muzak ditty has now appeared in Homestuck thirteen times to date. It remains to be seen if there is any significance to the fact that Caliborn HS 5485 (finds it painfully horrendous) and the crew of Vriska's ship HS 5981 (have been practicing it).
 * Tensei's muzak ditty has now appeared in Homestuck thirteen times to date. It remains to be seen if there is any significance to the fact that Caliborn HS 5485 (finds it painfully horrendous) and the crew of Vriska's ship HS 5981 (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 1258 (Clubs Deuce); A = hat, B = bomb, C = fist, D = penis, E = head and F = empty.
 * HS 4658 (Roxy); A = lab, B = cats, C = skirt, D = scamper, E = head and F = vodka.
 * HS 4709 (Karkat); A =, B = , C = , D = , E = and F =.


 * Extravagant bitch
 * This descriptor has so far been used to describe three females. HS 6270 (First by Caliborn) (in line with his usual way of referring to females), HS 7495 (second by Rose) to refer to Vriska (possibly negatively), and HS 7584 (third by Roxy) to refer to Jane (presumably affectionately).


 * "Farmin' these goddamn X. Fuckin' pain in the ass."
 * Hearts Boxcars is left HS 1335 (farmin' these goddamn horses) after knocks him into a different calendar year. Salamander mushroom farmers express HS 1358 (similar sentiments.) In HS 5263 (part 1) of Openbound, Kankri tags one of his remarks to Meenah with.


 * 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).


 * Flappy swingy doodad
 * Various characters have trouble remembering the term for the flag on mailboxes. The actual term is "Mailbox flag", or maybe "Semaphore" if you're really fancy.


 * Flash page back buttons
 * Starting with HS 6031 (this flash) and including the HS 6046 (three) HS 6066 (subsequent) HS 6073 (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 587 (fly off handles), or hooks, in a manner requiring increasingly exaggerated metaphors. For instance, HS 452 (the hook being dead to that shit), HS 1777 (the hook filing for divorce) from that shit and seeking custody of the hook and the shit's two kids, HS 2075 (shit wanting to reconcile) with the handle, and perhaps seek marital counseling, HS 2146 (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 3431 (threatening to flip his shit) "".


 * "Fuck that guy"
 * So far solely applied to Gamzee, and spoken by three separate characters.


 * HS 4697
 * HS 5746
 * HS 5937


 * Headdesk and beating of the back of the head
 * Done by HS 1931 (Karkat) during a flash animation and by HS 2468 (Eridan) during a normal panel. Later by HS 5714 (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 2092 (discussing the virus) that will summon into the universe, HS 3631 (repeated) by  to Rose, and HS 4080 (later used) by  himself when he HS 4081 (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 2975 (first) is applied to Jack Noir by Vriska, the HS 3615 (second) to Spades Slick by , the HS 4847 (third) and her Imperious Condescion by Dirk, and the HS 4647 (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 5109 (also used by Calliope) referring to Caliborn, who is technically Lord English's younger self.
 * It's worth noting that Andrew Hussie used a variant of this gag, "I am already dead," in a HS 5491 (conversation) between him and Caliborn.


 * "Hey." "Sup."
 * Used when Dave is greeting a fellow Dave or another character. HS 1651, HS 2835, HS 4696.


 * "Huge bitch"
 * This choice of descriptor HS 1296 (first showed up) in the Midnight Crew Intermission. The next was in Act 4, in a HS 1668 (big flash page). The next appearance is in Hivebent, HS 2194 (just before) Vriska's introduction. The HS 2306 (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 2924 (HUGE WITCH). Much later, Vriska refers to her denizen, Cetus, as a HS 7504.


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


 * "I can't really control the X."
 * This gag first appears during Aradia's conversation with Equius, in which he mistakes her ribbits as a form of roleplay, but in reality she HS 2280. In an enthuastic conversation with Kanaya, Feferi claims she, although Kanaya calls her out on this fallacious claimHS 2328. During Karkat's intermission intervention with Terezi, when Dave is on speakercrab, the device pinches Terezi's toe, but when she gets mad he points out that he HS 6021. When Rose initially asks John about his new retcon powers, he explains that he HS -1637. At one point, Aradia subverts the trope by controlling the ribbits deliberately, in an attempt to cause a glitch in paradox spaceHS 2809


 * "I think I should get a towel."
 * First appeared with John, when he tries to clean up the mess with the cake in HS 105 (Act 1). Due to HS 2278 (Equius) and his sweating problem, it became used in situations where the person is nervous. HS 4846 (Jake) also uses this talking to Dirk.

HS 6383
 * "It's sharp and it's X and it's Y"
 * Dave and Dirk's swords are frequently described in this manner.
 * HS 386
 * HS 1444
 * HS 5756
 * HS 6713


 * "I/YOU HATE X I/YOU HATE X I/YOU HATE X"
 * Used when a character is in a crowd; he repeatedly exclaims that he hates something. First used by Hearts Boxcars when he's HS 1251 (crowded by Eggs and Biscuits time clones). Later used in Ministrife by Karkat: "I HATE THE AFTERLIFE I HATE THE AFTERLIFE..." Later would be used by Caliborn when HS 6111 (he gets crowded by his "puppet people").


 * thoughts
 * When characters are first introduced in Homestuck, they get HS 16 (insanely) HS 219 (idiotic) HS 315 (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 774 (goes) HS 775 (ahead) with hers. Dave doesn't do it but it is HS 3703 (mentioned) here as well as done by Brobot HS 4276 (Here).


 * "Immutable fact I am stating... does not mean"
 * Karkat tells John that all troll kids hate all human kids during an HS 1394 (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 1524 (assures Rose) that she is being helpful, but friendship just isn't taking place. Next it is again Karkat, stating that HS 1667 (the trolls hate them), but that isn't any reason to withhold information. Kanaya HS 2139 (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. In the post-scratch universe, Caliborn HS 4650 (explains) to Dirk that he doesn't reveal future events because him giving a shit is simply not taking place.


 * 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 4802 (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 6269 (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 6497 (says) that "Alpha Male"'s adventure starting in the proximity of some horses is ironic, then tells the reader to think it over. In GAME OVER, Caliborn is left heavily injured in the proximity of the toy horses, though in this instance, it goes unremarked upon. Later on in "Homosuck," ARquiusprite's arrival and Caliborn's (temporary?) defeat are accompanied by the presence of some horses, the irony of which Caliborn HS 7439 (acknowledges.)


 * 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 2328 (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    in two HS 1657 (different) HS 1935 (conversations) between Dave and Terezi. More recently, Calliope has used it for  and, and Caliborn has used a variant for  and.


 * "It's hard being X. It's hard, and nobody understands"
 * Repeated on several occasions.
 * First by Eridan HS 2343 (to Kanaya)
 * Then by Hussie (Mothersprite?) HS 2390 (to Kanaya)
 * Next used by Nepeta while HS 3438 (viewing her shipping wall)
 * Then, much later, by Roxy HS 4492 (to AR)
 * Uses "" instead of "nobody"
 * Cronus HS 5308 (tags a remark) with.
 * Last used by Hussie when HS 5446 (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 2023 (Gamzee) - Gamzee gets his husktop
 * Hussie HS 4078 (uses it) himself after "defeating" - he gets the repaired disc for the Homestuck game.
 * Used when Roxy HS 4609 (takes) the captchlogue bottle of kidmomgoo
 * Used when Jake HS 5055 (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 2467 ("just sort of regular friends instead") of moirails with Eridan
 * Davesprite to Dave about HS 2837 ("releasing himself.")
 * Dave to Karkat about HS 6225 ("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 4709 (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 2829 (Caledfwlch) and HS 3176 (Ahab's Crosshairs).

Losing both an eye and an arm
 * 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.

Happens to Spades Slick, to Bec Noir, to John's harlequin doll, to Vriska Serket and her ancestor Spinneret Mindfang. Aranea also taunts Dirk with severing her ring arm. John's gift robot rabbit loses his green eye because it's eaten by WV, and later the post-scratch counterpart of that bunny in Jane's room appears to be missing both an eye and an arm. It seems those characters are basically destined to lose their eye and arm, or that if a character loses one they must also lose the other.


 * "Lousy (goddamn) stupid ."
 * So far, every kid save for Dave has HS 380 (voiced) his or her HS 560 (disgust) for HS 912 (something) in this HS 1063 (manner). Sollux, in a similar but not-quite-the-same manner, and in a 2X DISGUST COMBO, expresses his distaste for HS 2147 (lousy stupid goddamn) psychics and his window. The Salamander mushroom farmer also said this about the mushrooms. Eridan HS 2792 (uses the phrase) when talking about a witch seer. (Be Future Eridan.) Vriska also expressed distaste for a HS 2204 (supportive friend) in this manner, as did HS 3558 (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 565 (Bro's comic), the comic itself having been drawn as a part of Cheerfulbear - PLAY ME. The gag then HS 2470 (takes place after) Karkat finds Sollux dead after the Vast Glub (substance = ). Later, he HS 3350 (repeats it) after watching Eridan slaughter Feferi and Kanaya (substance = ). After that, it is repeated by Hussie himself HS 3388 (before he tries to revive Rufio) (substance = mohawk dye).


 * Mouth close-ups
 * In A6A6I1, Hussie gave Jane an extreme mouth close-up with the quote "HS 6446", and continued the gag in A6A6I2, with Meenah ("HS 6568"), Jane again with a more extreme close-up ("HS 6571"), Jake ("HS 6572"), Arquiusprite ("HS 6605"), Karkat ("HS 6624" and in Scribble Mode, no less), and Dave ("HS 6656").


 * No / Yes / No / Yes
 * Two characters talking have several times repeatedly said "no / yes". First used by Nepeta and EquiusHS 2162 several times in one conversation. Later used by Dave and KarkatHS 4718, Tavros and VriskaHS 4840, Nepeta and Equius again in MinistrifeHS 5427, Dirk and ArquiuspriteHS 5656HS 5657, Erisolsprite and ArquiuspriteHS 5760, and Caliborn and Andrew HussieHS 5779. The no/yes between Dirk and Arquiusprite is likely a callback to conversations between Nepeta and Equius, who are also Heart and Void players respectively. also HS 3627 (has a similar habit,) although this is surely of no significance whatsoever.


 * Not seeing why things have to be a federal fucking issue
 * John doesn't see why HS 167 (managing one's strife specibus) needs to be a, nor why HS 5290 (Con Air 's music) needs to make things into a . Latula notes that Kankri made a out of her disability in HS 5263 (part 1) of Openbound. Meanwhile, Rose doesn't see why HS 5410 (dates) have to be a , either.


 * "  sure is/are !"


 * HS 2069 (Trolls,) HS 2396 (troll reproduction,) HS 2628 (also reiterated by examining HS 3438 (John ? WV)), HS 2732 ([the kids'] ,) HS 2861 (Jade's family) and HS 3410 (human fashion and transportation and safety) sure are weird! Similarly, HS 2341 (troll romance) and HS 2510 (troll etiquette) sure are confusing! And to top it off, HS 855 ([Jade's Grandpa] sure is a bag of wind,) HS 2440 (royalty sure is civilized) and HS 2713 (human friendship sure is complicated.)


 * Object piles
 * Jade's Squiddles, Rose's scarves, Gamzee's horns, Equius's broken robots, Eridan's shitty wands and HS 4119 (Jake's guns). Dave's Bro's jumble of unbelievably shitty swords may also count. Piles of smuppets are seen in various locations as well. 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 859 (hears from Karkat) again, the first time from our perspective. In the second instance, Jade is thwarted HS 1382 (one more time) by a pumpkin. In the third instance, dream Jade's HS 1444 (reaction) to the accidentally impaled crow. Another example is Nepeta's HS 2295 (comment) on her shipping wall to the possible matespritship of Karkat and Vriska. Happens again when Jake HS 4233 (accidentally kills a fairy bull). HS 2024 (This time) doesn't count. Kanaya HS 2139 (hears it from Aradia). There is another HS 1392 (similar example) when John is contacted by Karkat for the first time in Act 4. Dave gives HS 6687 (his own take) upon discovering Jade's dead body.


 * Olive Branch of Friendship
 * One character will describe their actions as being an olive branch of friendship. Karkat HS 1603 (offers) the aforementioned branch to John, despite John treating it like . Similarly, Vriska HS 2178 (questions) how they can become friends if Karkat continues to recoil from her olive branch like she's . Terezi HS 2772 (holds out) her  for Dave upon their first conversation. Caliborn HS 5551 (attempts) to persuade Jane to accept his branch in a similar manner.


 * Something, usually a character's power level, is stated to be over 9000. A preexisting meme taken from Dragon Ball Z, and its appearances in Homestuck occasionally complain about the meme being old and not funny anymore. Dirk HS 4873 (describes) the Condesce's power level as being over 9000, the narration HS 4879 (asks) if the reader wants Homestuck to go on for over 9000 panels, Lil Hal HS 5245 (describes) himself as being a better AI than HAL 9000 and thus "over 9000" , and Arquiusprite HS 6604 (says) "" in regards to Jake's fully realized Page power level.
 * Something, usually a character's power level, is stated to be over 9000. A preexisting meme taken from Dragon Ball Z, and its appearances in Homestuck occasionally complain about the meme being old and not funny anymore. Dirk HS 4873 (describes) the Condesce's power level as being over 9000, the narration HS 4879 (asks) if the reader wants Homestuck to go on for over 9000 panels, Lil Hal HS 5245 (describes) himself as being a better AI than HAL 9000 and thus "over 9000" , and Arquiusprite HS 6604 (says) "" in regards to Jake's fully realized Page power level.


 * Hussie also demands that MSPA readers produce over 9000 selfies of themselves with HS 7928 (the greatest moment in Homestuck,) lest he delete MSPA from the internet and spread darkness across the world.


 * 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 759 (so proud) of John. Davesprite HS 5297 (imitates the notes), much to John's fury. Caliborn is HS 5445 (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.


 * facemash
 * When something is frustrating to the point at which a certain Strider might be apt to perform an acrobatic fucking pirrouette, Rose Lalonde might prefer to pull out her trusty velvet pillow and vent her frustration in a more subdued but equally frustrated manner. Seen HS 6346 (here), HS 7650 (here) and in HS 3695 (this walk-around).


 * 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 308 (confront her mother), which is interrupted with "OH PSYCHE" and switches to Dave's introduction. Worthy of note is the HS 665 (X2 DOUBLE PSYCHEOUT COMBO) and, eventually, an attempt at a HS 756 (5X CLIFFHANGER COMBO) and the cause of an UNPSYCHE. On HS 918 (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 5368 ("end" of Act 6 Intermission 3). Less than HS 5424 (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 308 (confront her mother), which is interrupted with "OH PSYCHE" and switches to Dave's introduction. Worthy of note is the HS 665 (X2 DOUBLE PSYCHEOUT COMBO) and, eventually, an attempt at a HS 756 (5X CLIFFHANGER COMBO) and the cause of an UNPSYCHE. On HS 918 (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 5368 ("end" of Act 6 Intermission 3). Less than HS 5424 (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 50 (Mark Twain) (Shakespeare), HS 82 (Walt Whitman) (François de La Rochefoucauld), HS 307 (Charles Barkley) (T. S. Eliot), HS 444 (John Keats) (Snoop Dogg), HS 2988 (Charles Dutton) (also Shakespeare), and HS 6261 (Cherub Shakespeare) (HS 4357 (Dave Strider)). There was also HS 2002 (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 4068 (banner) HS 4073 (images) during the narrative. It has since been used by HS 4721 (Karkat), HS 5299 (John), HS 5529 (Jane), HS 5579 (Roxy) (without an exclamation mark), HS 6039 (Vriska), HS 6059 (Kanaya) (with only the first letter capitalized) and HS 6524 (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 452 (tempting to use) or HS 908 (touch), or is otherwise subject to a temptation, such as HS 3644 (revenge). This usually ends in the character HS 5710 (failing) HS 1777 (to resist) the urge, but HS 1331 (not always.)
 * Used when a character is close to an item that may be HS 452 (tempting to use) or HS 908 (touch), or is otherwise subject to a temptation, such as HS 3644 (revenge). This usually ends in the character HS 5710 (failing) HS 1777 (to resist) the urge, but HS 1331 (not always.)


 * "Reunite with loving..."
 * HS 1600 (Originally) HS 1931 (used) to fondly regard Con Air, but has now extended HS 2643 (beyond) HS 2724 (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 2276 (cerulean heart), and much later by Dirk's auto-responder for the brobot's HS 4192 (uranium heart). Both cases were followed by robots enacting it; first the Aradiabot by HS 2289 (removing her robotic heart) and then HS 2290 (beating it to a pulp), and then by the brobot in HS 4587 (removing the uranium) from its body, HS 4589 (smashing it to pieces), and HS 4592 (promptly exploding).


 * ROBOSLAP
 * HS 1449 (Here) and HS 2223 (here). Additionally, in, Caliborn dudebro slaps John.


 * ROBOTS DON'T HAVE FEELINGS
 * Jade first said this HS 3170 (here). HS 3182 (Used by Sollux) a few pages after in a conversation with Aradia. Later, Jake uses the phrase in a HS 4191 (talk) with Dirk's auto-responder. Andrew Hussie also says it, referring to his character in the comic, HS 4289 (here).


 * flammability
 * Shaving cream is initially expected to be flame-suppressant by both the HS 1479 (Authority Regulator) and HS 1485 (John). However, John is quickly made to revise this expectation drastically with the revelation of {{HS|1486|OH GOD HOW CAN SHAVING