Do People in Albany Say Steamed Hams? The Truth Behind the Simpsons’ Culinary Conundrum
The short answer is a resounding no. People in Albany, New York, do not call hamburgers “steamed hams,” nor is it any kind of regional dialect within the city or anywhere else in the Upstate New York area. This is a fictional phrase, specifically created for comedic effect in The Simpsons episode “22 Short Films About Springfield,” which aired on April 14, 1996. The term is an invention of the character Seymour Skinner, and it’s meant to highlight his bizarre and increasingly desperate attempts to cover up his cooking mishap. The line and the resulting sketch is one of the most beloved in the show’s history, so beloved, in fact, it’s frequently referenced through memes and online discussions. However, it’s crucial to understand that “steamed hams” is purely a comedic fiction, not any kind of real culinary lingo or regionalism.
The Origin of “Steamed Hams”
The term “steamed hams” was conceived by the writer Bill Oakley, who worked on The Simpsons from 1992 to 1998, even serving as a co-showrunner from 1995 to 1997. It was used within a small segment of the “22 Short Films About Springfield” episode titled “Skinner & The Superintendent.” In the scene, Seymour Skinner is hosting Superintendent Chalmers for lunch. Things quickly spiral as Skinner accidentally burns the roast, and substitutes with hamburgers he claims are a local specialty called “steamed hams.” The humor arises from the absurdity of Skinner’s increasingly elaborate lies, leading to the iconic exchange:
Superintendent Chalmers: “I thought we were having roast.”
Seymour Skinner: “Oh no, I said ‘steamed hams’. That’s what I call hamburgers.”
Superintendent Chalmers: “You call hamburgers ‘steamed hams’?”
Seymour Skinner: “Yes! It’s a regional dialect.”
Superintendent Chalmers: “Uh-huh. What region?”
Seymour Skinner: “Uh… upstate New York.”
This exchange is the core of the humor and explains exactly where the “steamed hams” joke comes from. Skinner’s desperate attempts to maintain his lie – complete with a fabricated regional dialect – is the entire point. The joke is also built on the fact the audience clearly sees the hamburgers are grilled, not steamed, adding another layer of absurdity.
The Meme Explosion and Cultural Impact
While the “Steamed Hams” sketch was initially just one small part of a longer episode, it experienced a massive resurgence in popularity. Around 2016, it exploded into a meme, largely driven by its memorable dialogue, exaggerated situations, and relatable experience of desperately trying to cover one’s mistakes. Countless remixes, edits, and interpretations of the scene have proliferated across the internet, solidifying its place in pop culture. The meme is widely recognized and quoted, demonstrating the enduring appeal of its original comedic construction. The meme has become so popular that many viewers of the show are shocked to find that, despite the popularity, “steamed hams” is not a common phrase.
The Real Story Behind Steamed Foods
While “steamed hams” is fictional, steaming food is a real cooking method. Steamed cheeseburgers, for example, are a genuine dish, particularly associated with central Connecticut. These are cooked entirely via steaming rather than grilling or frying. Steaming is a healthy cooking method that preserves the moisture and nutrients of the food. However, it’s crucial to differentiate the genuine culinary practice from the made-up phrase used in The Simpsons. In the case of “steamed hams,” Skinner does not actually steam the hamburgers, only claims to do so.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About “Steamed Hams”
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the topic:
1. Did anyone on The Simpsons actually believe steamed hams was a real Albany expression?
No. The creators of the show, including Bill Oakley, intentionally created the term as a comedic device. It was meant to be absurd and out of place within the real world. The whole joke hinges on the lie being outlandish.
2. What is the connection to Utica mentioned in the episode?
After Skinner claims it’s a regional dialect, he specifically states “But neither is it something you’d hear in Utica.” This adds to the joke because he’s randomly bringing up another city in upstate New York as an example of not using the term. This reinforces that “steamed hams” is a total invention.
3. Why is “steamed hams” so funny?
The humor stems from several factors: Seymour Skinner’s absurd attempt to pass off grilled hamburgers as “steamed hams,” his increasingly desperate and transparent lies, the seemingly random reference to a regional dialect, the deadpan delivery by the voice actors, and the sheer nonsensical nature of the whole situation.
4. Who voices Seymour Skinner and Superintendent Chalmers?
Hank Azaria voices Superintendent Chalmers and numerous other characters in the show, including Chief Wiggum, Apu, and Moe. Harry Shearer, also a prolific voice actor on the show, voices Seymour Skinner.
5. Who wrote “22 Short Films About Springfield?”
The episode was written by Richard Appel and David S. Cohen. However, as mentioned earlier, the “Steamed Hams” segment was specifically written by Bill Oakley.
6. What is the actual culinary process of steaming?
Steaming involves cooking food by using the steam from boiling water. This method is considered healthy and can be used for various foods, not just ham or cheeseburgers.
7. Is there a real restaurant that serves “steamed hams”?
No, there is no restaurant that officially serves “steamed hams.” The term, again, is fictional.
8. How long does it take to steam a real ham?
The time depends on the weight of the ham but generally, it is recommended to steam at 100% steam for about 25 minutes per 500 grams.
9. What is the difference between city ham and country ham?
City hams are generally wet-cured and fully cooked when sold, making them easier to prepare. Country hams, conversely, are dry-cured and uncooked, requiring more preparation before consumption.
10. How is Prosciutto made?
Prosciutto is made from the hind legs of pigs and dry-cured. Prosciutto cotto is cooked, while prosciutto crudo is uncooked. Both types are cured.
11. Why do some people soak ham before cooking?
Soaking ham can be done to reduce saltiness, though this is less common with commercially available hams these days. It is best to consult the packaging for any pre-cooking recommendations.
12. How do you keep ham moist while baking?
Covering the ham with foil while baking and adding water to the bottom of the pan helps create steam and prevent it from drying out.
13. What is a “steamer” in American food culture?
“Steamer” can refer to a steamed cheeseburger, a dish common in central Connecticut, which is cooked entirely through steam.
14. Is there any significance to the season 7 episode number 21 for Steamed Hams?
There is no specific significance or special meaning to that number. It is just the episode’s position in the season.
15. How old is the “Steamed Hams” segment?
The segment originally aired in 1996, making it over 28 years old. Despite its age, the internet has kept it as a popular meme.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the enduring appeal of “steamed hams” lies in its absurd humor and the relatable experience of getting caught in a lie. It’s a masterclass in comedic writing and voice acting, which makes it incredibly memorable. However, to be absolutely clear, nobody in Albany (or anywhere else) uses the term “steamed hams” to refer to hamburgers. It’s a piece of fictional brilliance from The Simpsons that has taken on a life of its own in the world of memes and internet culture.