Only Fools and Horses fans FINALLY work out Del Boy joke – four decades after it first aired
ONLY Fools and Horses fans have finally worked out one of Del Boy’s most confusing jokes which aired in the first episode of the hit sitcom.
David Jason became a TV legend after starring in the BBC series as Del Boy.
Only Fools and Horses first debuted on BBC One in 1981 and ran for nine seasons until it finally ended in 2003. The BBC also aired a Christmas documentary special last year.
The iconic long-running sitcom follows Derek “Del Boy” Trotter and his much younger brother Rodney (Nicholas Lyndhurst) as they embark on a series of get-rich-quick schemes.
It wasn’t long before fans fell in love with the series – in part thanks to the sitcom’s excellent dialogue.
Del Boy has some of the best dialogue, from quippy one-liners to well thought-out, fast-paced jokes.
But there’s one of his jokes which left fans scratching their heads for more than 40 years.
During the very first episode, which was originally broadcast in September 1981, Del Boy meets with his pal Trigger (Roger Lloyd Pack) in hopes of getting some dodgy gear to shift – which in this case is some “old English vinyl” briefcases.
They meet in the Nag’s Head to discuss their deal, with a displeased Rodney in tow.
During their exchange, Trigger explains that he has 25 briefcases for sale but decided to carry one into the pub “openly” so that it doesn’t look “conspicious,” before casually looking over his shoulder to check the police aren’t after him for trying to sell the stolen goods.
Del Boy looks bemused at Trigger’s statement as he clearly ended up using a combination of the words conspicuous and suspicious to describe his approach to handling the briefcases.
But instead of calling him out on it, Del Boy takes a dig at Trigger with a swift retort that goes completely over his head.
But, while it’s clear he’s mocking his mate, viewers were left pretty confused by Del Boy’s joke.
In response to Trigger trying to look less “conspicious,” Del Boy fires back: “That’s good thinking that Trig, pretty good thinking. It goes so well with your slingback wellington boots and your off the shoulder jacket. You look like an executive hod carrier.”
Viewers were confused by the “hod carrier” part of the joke in particular, but it turns out all they needed was some technical explanation.
In a Reddit thread for the show, one person finally asked the question that everyone wanted the answer to.
Only Fools and Horses - Expert View
By Deputy Digital TV Editor Jill Robinson
Only Fools and Horses has become one of – if not THE – most iconic British sitcoms, and for good reason.
The trials and tribulations of Del Boy and Rodney Trotter – plus their Peckham pals, was must-watch TV from 1981 to the final episode in 2003.
I remember the anticipation of each Christmas Special that aired in the 90s and early 00s, with Heroes and Villains being a particular highlight.
I think what made the show so memorable was the mixture of characters, the perfect cocktail to rival Del Boy’s infamous concoctions!
From Boycie’s laugh to Trigger’s dopiness, there was a character for every funny bone in the nation.
Then there’s the catchphrases that have stood the test of time, you’d be a plonker not to have indulged in an episode or two.
“What the hell is he saying exactly? I get executive, that’s part of the joke, but what the hell is a ‘hod carrier’… assuming that’s what he even said,” they asked.
And thankfully, a Del Boy superfan was only too happy to explain.
Explaining the punchline, another social media user said: “A hod is a tool used on building sites to carry multiple bricks at once, it is typically slung over the shoulder.
“Del comments based on what Trig is wearing (rather than the clothes fitting in the case), that carrying a briefcase looks more suspicious than carrying a package.”
And there you have it, a joke that’s still funny after 43 years.
Only Fools and Horses is available to stream on Britbox.