"Lisa's First Word" is the tenth episode of the fourth season of the American animated television series The Simpsons. It was first broadcast on Fox in the United States on December 3, 1992. The episode was directed by Mark Kirkland and written by Jeff Martin.
Plot: In the present day, Homer, Marge, Bart, and Lisa attempt to coax Maggie into saying her first word. When their efforts fail, Marge recounts the story of Lisa's first word. The narrative flashes back to 1983, when the family lived in a small apartment. Marge becomes pregnant with Lisa, prompting the family to purchase their house on Evergreen Terrace (with financial help from Grampa Simpson). After Lisa is born, Bart grows jealous of the attention she receives and attempts to run away. As he packs his belongings, Lisa speaks her first word: "Bart." Delighted, Bart abandons his plan, and the two siblings bond. In the present, after Homer puts Maggie to bed and expresses a hope that she never speaks, Maggie—unheard by anyone—quietly says "Daddy."
Guest appearance: Elizabeth Taylor provided the voice of Maggie Simpson's first word. Taylor reportedly had to record the line numerous times before the producers were satisfied, leading to a well-documented but disputed incident in which she allegedly said "fuck you" to series creator Matt Groening before leaving the studio. Multiple accounts from those present have since clarified that the remark was made in jest and that Taylor did not storm out.
Production: The episode was written by Jeff Martin, who had previously written the flashback episode "I Married Marge." The extended couch gag was added because the episode was approximately thirty seconds too short. The scene in which Homer builds a terrifying clown-shaped bed for Bart was inspired by writer Mike Reiss's childhood experience. The flashback sequence of a young Homer singing Cyndi Lauper's "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" was suggested by animation director Chuck Sheetz to fill remaining runtime.
Cultural references: The episode references the 1981 arcade game Ms. Pac-Man, the 1984 McDonald's Olympic promotion (which lost money due to the Soviet boycott), the Cyndi Lauper song "Girls Just Want to Have Fun," and the Lincoln Savings and Loan scandal, among others.
Reception: The episode was watched by 28.6 million viewers, making it the most-watched episode of the season and finishing thirteenth in the ratings for its week. It received a Nielsen rating of 16.6. The episode has received mostly positive reviews from critics, who have praised it as a convincing portrait of young family life and highlighted Elizabeth Taylor's performance. The phrase "can't sleep, clown will eat me"—uttered by Bart after his terrifying night in the clown bed—inspired the Alice Cooper song "Can't Sleep, Clowns Will Eat Me" (2001) and has entered popular usage.
