Skeleton Crew Episode 6 Revives a Beloved Star Wars Expletive
By Rafael Motamayor, Jan. 2, 2025, 6:00 PM EST
Spoiler Alert: This article discusses key plot points from “Star Wars: Skeleton Crew,” specifically episode 6, titled “Zero Friends Again.”
“Star Wars: Skeleton Crew” adds a refreshing twist to the franchise lore. Designed for viewers of all ages, the show features an impressive ensemble cast and offers an exciting narrative packed with adventure, echoing the vibes of classics like “Treasure Island” and “The Goonies.” The storyline centers on a band of kids stranded in space, embarking on a quest to return home, which just so happens to be a mythical planet brimming with everlasting treasure. Throughout their journey, the young adventurers encounter a cunning pirate adept in the Force, a droid with a name reminiscent of Smee from “Peter Pan,” and an array of delightfully quirky characters.
In the latest installment, “Zero Friends Again,” the group grapples with the aftermath of being left behind by their pirate companion Jod, played by Jude Law. Stranded in a pirate cove-turned-luxury getaway, they must collaborate to navigate their predicament. Meanwhile, Jod finds himself ensnared by his former pirate crew and is brought to trial. In a bid to negotiate his freedom, he attempts to invoke the ancient pirate practice of parley. In a moment of frustration, he lets slip a colorful expletive—asserting that if they spare his life, he would offer them “the entire kriffing galaxy,” referring to the kids’ legendary home planet, At Attin.
For those not well-versed in the expansive “Star Wars” comics or games, it’s easy to recognize “kriffing” as a cheeky way of saying “f***ing.” The fact that a family-friendly series like “Skeleton Crew” marks the first use of such language in “Star Wars” franchises makes it all the more amusing. Though it might sound spontaneous, “kriffing” actually carries a notable legacy within the “Star Wars” universe.
A Look Back at Star Wars Expletives
First introduced in Timothy Zahn’s 1997 novel “Vision of the Future,” part of the “Star Wars” Expanded Universe (now referred to as Legends), “kriffing” is a testament to the creative lingo of the franchise. Interestingly, this marks its second appearance in “Skeleton Crew,” as the word was previously used in the second episode when young protagonists Neel and Wim encounter a temperamental cook at Port Borgo.
Since the inception of “Star Wars,” profanity has been part of the lexicon, with early films featuring words like “damn” and “hell.” The Expanded Universe has contributed unique phrases to this lexicon, with classic expressions like “bantha poodoo” being used in alien languages. The trend of introducing catchy expletives gained momentum with “The Mandalorian,” where “dank farrik” became a notable catchphrase, inspired by Samuel L. Jackson’s memorable dialogue.
With “Star Wars Rebels” having introduced “karabast” and “Skeleton Crew” bringing “kriffing” back into regular use, fans are speculating about what expletive might make its debut next. My bet rests on either “kark” or “crink.”
Catch new episodes of “Star Wars: Skeleton Crew” every Tuesday at 6 PM PST on Disney+.
