¡Ay, caramba!


¡Ay, caramba!, from the Spanish interjections ay and caramba, is an exclamation used in Spanish to denote surprise. The term caramba is also used in Portuguese. "¡Ay, caramba!" is used as a catchphrase of Bart Simpson from the animated sitcom The Simpsons.

In popular culture

The exclamation became associated with the Madrid flamenco dancer and singer La Caramba in the 1780s. Her headdress of brightly colored ribbons became known as a caramba.
, the voice of Bart Simpson.
The knife-throwing villain in Tintin's adventure "The Broken Ear" exclaims "Caramba! Missed again!" so often it became a well-known catchphrase in French
The fictional character Bart Simpson from the animated sitcom The Simpsons used the phrase "¡Ay, caramba!" when surprised. He said it first in the 1988 episode The Art Museum. It became one of his most notable catchphrases, further popularizing the phrase in modern pop culture. For example, in the episode "Selma's Choice", Bart, Lisa, and their Aunt Selma approach a very popular ride at Duff Gardens. Upon seeing the exceptionally long line for the ride, Bart exclaims, "¡Ay, caramba!". "¡Ay, caramba!" were Bart's first words.