{ P-E-T-R-O-L. } Gosh, that’s a funny way to spell water.
[“Cat-Tails for Two”; Merrie Melodies (1953)]
Two cats board a docked ship to catch mice and end up taking on Speedy Gonzales
(in his first appearance). George and Benny were one of many “Of Mice
and Men” couples introduced by Warner Bros. The spelling gag was ripped
off from an earlier WB cartoon “A Bear for Punishment,” which
debuted in 1951 and featured The Three Bears (“G-U-N-P-O-W-D-E-R. Tobacco!”).
Used for spelling problems, or to indicate general stupidity.
– Jeff Stendec (October 1, 1997)