Facebook
Twitter
Reddit
Email
More
Tumblr
Pinterest
Google+
LinkedInAnother day, another Jeopardy! blunder, this time featuring a contestant who apparently is not familiar with the term “gangsta,” a negligence that cost him thousands of dollars.
On the New Year’s Day episode, contestant Nick Spicher was given the following answer: “A song by Coolio from Dangerous Minds goes back in time to become a 1667 John Milton classic.”
The question being a reference to Paradise Lost and the song “Gangsta’s Paradise.” Obviously.
Unfortunately, Spicher responded with “Gangster‘s Paradise Lost.”
He was initially awarded $1600, but minutes later, host Alex Trebek informed him that the judges had reviewed his answer and decided it was unacceptable, taking back the $1600 and an additional $1600 from his pre-existing score, costing him a hefty $3200 and the lead.
“Our judges have reevaluated one of your responses a few minute ago, Nick,” Trebek said. “You said ‘gangster’s’ instead of ‘gangsta’s’ on that song by Coolio, so we take $3200 away from you. You are now in second place.”
Although Spicher ended up winning anyway, many took to Twitter to criticize the show’s strict rules. Jeopardy’s website even posted a note to explain their ruling: “The hard R sound caught the ear of one member of the onstage team, who immediately followed up with a quick check. It turns out that ‘gangsta’ and ‘gangster’ are both listed separately in the Oxford English Dictionary, each with its own unique definition. Nick changed not only the song’s title, but also its meaning – making his response unacceptable.”
Because there is no white-washing in Jeopardy. In fact, Coolio himself agrees!
In an interview with TMZ, the rapper issued a warning: “I probably would have gave it to him but let me explain something to you, this is for white people. The ‘er’ will always get you in trouble. Never use the ‘er’ if you don’t have to.”
Life advice worth following.
Almost Done!
By clicking "Create Account", I hearby grant permission to Postmedia to use my account information to create my account.
I also accept and agree to be bound by Postmedia's Terms and Conditions with respect to my use of the Site and I have read and understand Postmedia's Privacy Statement. I consent to the collection, use, maintenance, and disclosure of my information in accordance with the Postmedia's Privacy Policy.