asplode v. a jocular form of explode. Also a splode. Editorial Note: Often used in representations of uncouth or uneducated speech. Sometimes said to be a representation of a Spanish-speaker’s pronunciaton of the English word, particularly as demonstrated by Cuban actor Desi Arnaz. This term was popularized in 2004 by the character Strong Bad on the HomestarRunner web site. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)
Further reading
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I think a big part of the recent popularity of “asplode” or “a splode” comes from its extensive use in the popular Homestar Runner web cartoons. Google the Homestar Runner Wiki for “a splode” and “asplode” to see what I mean.
I agree that the site is probably responsible for popularizing the word, but not for coining it. The earliest use I could find on the site was July 2004.
After a little bit of work, I found that the original “video games” Strong Bad Email from January 2004 was the first to use “a splode.” It was hard to work out because the emails are not dated on the Homestarrunner site and the modified date for that episode’s page (no. 94) is dated July. However, a Fark forum for the episode was created on Jan. 12, 2004, which is probably also the date the Strong Bad Email was released.
Um, not to be a pedant or anything, but I’m pretty sure that the Cuban actor you’re referring to was named Desi Arnaz. Ricky Ricardo was the character who made him famous. Not to be a pedant…
Pedants welcome, as long as they’re right! You are right, so I have made the change.
A SPLODE!!!!
my head a-splode.