2009-12-02
Explanation
In this comic, an elderly grandfather addresses his grandchildren, explaining that since he is too old to threaten them physically, he has instead compiled a list of words that are uncomfortable to hear spoken in his "raspy yet moist elderly voice." He then demonstrates with the first word: "Eeeeerrotic," drawn out for maximum discomfort. The caption below reads: "Grandpa convinced us to do our homework."
The humor comes from the creative and deeply unsettling form of discipline the grandfather has devised. Rather than relying on physical intimidation, he has weaponized the inherent creepiness of hearing certain suggestive words spoken slowly by an elderly person. The children's disgusted expressions show that this psychological warfare is highly effective. It is a clever inversion of the typical "scary grandparent" trope, replacing physical threat with pure social discomfort.
The votey panel doubles down on the joke, showing a close-up of the grandfather saying "Weeeeiiiiner," confirming that he has an entire arsenal of uncomfortable words at his disposal and is not afraid to use them.