Note: We are republishing this story, which originally made the news in February 2020.

Wheel of Fortune has delivered countless memorable moments over the years, but few have left audiences laughing quite as hard as one hilariously suggestive puzzle solution that aired in early 2020.

During the episode, contestant Adam Goodell managed to solve a puzzle that would later go viral across social media for its cheeky phrasing. The answer? “Brushing up on my Italian sausage.” Goodell’s correct guess won him $2,450 and secured his place in the bonus round—but it was the puzzle’s wording that really stole the show.

As the final letters filled in on the board, viewers everywhere did a double-take. Was this a cooking reference? A culinary lesson? Or something far more risqué? The Internet quickly decided it was the latter, and fans wasted no time taking to Twitter to share their amusement.

One user posted a snapshot of their television screen with the nearly completed puzzle, adding: “Yeah, I don’t know about this one #wheeloffortune #ohvannapickmealetter.” Another viewer admitted: “I found the ‘Brushing up on my Italian sausage’ puzzle on #WheelofFortune tonight hilarious for some reason!”

The jokes kept rolling in. Someone tweeted: “Bruh, what intern made the puzzle ‘brushing up on my Italian sausage’? I’m dead.” Another person wrote: “‘Brushing up on my Italian sausage’ may be one of the most lurid-sounding #WheelofFortune puzzles ever.”

Perhaps the most telling comment summed it up perfectly: “So apparently the solution to a puzzle on Wheel of Fortune yesterday was ‘Brushing Up On My Italian Sausage’… and I think the jokes write themselves,” punctuated by several laughing emojis.

Viewers’ reactions weren’t limited to snarky one-liners. Many noted the brilliance of the puzzle’s double entendre, wondering if it was an intentional attempt by the show’s writers to spice things up. Others pointed out that the suggestive phrase was made even funnier because it was presented in the same wholesome, family-friendly style that Wheel of Fortune is known for.

On-screen, even host Pat Sajak had to acknowledge the awkward humor of the phrase. After Adam’s triumphant solve, Sajak let out a laugh and quickly added, “Uh… it’s a grilling expression,” as though to reassure both the contestant and the viewers at home. His playful delivery only fueled the online frenzy further, turning what might have been a forgettable moment into an instant classic.

Photos of the puzzle board quickly circulated, showing the fully completed phrase in all its oddball glory. Twitter users, meme creators, and pop culture bloggers pounced on the opportunity, solidifying “Brushing up on my Italian sausage” as one of the most unforgettable Wheel of Fortune solutions in recent memory.

This hilarious episode is a perfect example of why live game shows continue to captivate audiences. They remind us that even in the most polished productions, unexpected—and often hilarious—moments can sneak through, bringing millions together to share a laugh.

In the end, Adam walked away with cash in hand and a story that would live on far beyond his game show appearance. And for the rest of us, it was a much-needed dose of humor and proof that sometimes the most unexpected phrases are the ones that leave the biggest impact.

So, if you ever hear someone say they’re “brushing up on their Italian sausage,” remember: it might just be about grilling… or it might be one of the greatest TV double entendres of all time.