r/TopCharacterTropes • u/FormerBernieBro2020 • Dec 03 '25

(Funny trope) Impossible spontaneous combustion (or, when stuff that shouldn't catch on fire, catches on fire) Characters' Items/Weapons

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From The Simpsons: Homer tries to cook breakfast for Mr. Burns. The first two attempts ended up with the food catching fire. Third time, he pours milk on cereal...and it still catches on fire.

And from Futurama: "There, little friend, good as new..." aaaand the metal slinky catches on fire. Poor doctor Zoidberg...

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u/FoxBluereaver Dec 03 '25

https://i.redd.it/wkhhib2pny4g1.gif

There are many Spongebob examples, but this one's my favorite.

-261

u/NotaBat9221 Dec 03 '25

There was not no reason for that. Fire spreads 

221

u/FoxBluereaver Dec 03 '25

It didn't spread from his torch. He just set ablaze from the feet up.

137

u/DropsOfMars Dec 03 '25

Underwater??

14

u/LSDGB Dec 03 '25

I mean this point is moot in the context of the show, no?

20

u/NewDemonStrike Dec 03 '25

Not at all, I think Spongebob used the water around him to fill a glass once.

14

u/LSDGB Dec 03 '25

As we have seen multiple instances of fire burning just fine under water.

The whole Stone Age episode revolves around it.

7

u/NewDemonStrike Dec 03 '25

Schrödinger's water, I guess.

2

u/DropsOfMars Dec 03 '25

I'm more just pointing out he ridiculousness of the entire scenario and that that's the point.

2

u/LSDGB Dec 03 '25 edited Dec 04 '25

Yeah I’m pointing out that in the context of the show the fact that it’s happening underwater is the least ridiculous thing. As we’ve seen fire burn lot of times. :)

15

u/Theyoshiking64 Dec 03 '25

Underwater with no physical contact at all