snl skit hermes handbags | Watch Ben Affleck Try to Shill Hermès Herpes Handbags on SNL

The world of high fashion is often ripe for satire, and "Saturday Night Live" has never shied away from skewering its excesses and eccentricities. One memorable example of this comedic dissection is the "Hermes Handbags" skit, which aired on May 18, 2013, during the Ben Affleck-hosted episode featuring Kanye West as the musical guest. This skit cleverly plays on the aspirational nature of luxury brands, the perceived exclusivity of Hermes, and the potential for mispronunciation leading to hilariously awkward situations. The skit remains a fan favorite, often resurfacing in discussions about SNL's most memorable moments and providing a humorous commentary on the allure of high-end accessories. This article delves into the skit's nuances, exploring its comedic elements, cultural context, and enduring appeal.

The Premise: A Not-So-Subtle Misunderstanding

The central gag of the "Hermes Handbags" skit revolves around the mispronunciation of "Hermes," the iconic French luxury brand known for its exquisitely crafted leather goods, particularly its Birkin and Kelly bags. Instead of the proper pronunciation ("Air-mez"), the characters in the skit repeatedly say "Herpes," creating a jarring and intentionally uncomfortable association with the sexually transmitted infection.

Ben Affleck plays a man who is trying to sell Hermes handbags, and he seems oblivious to the unfortunate phonetic similarity. He confidently touts the bags' quality, craftsmanship, and prestige, completely unaware (or perhaps stubbornly ignoring) the increasingly horrified reactions of the other characters. This contrast between his enthusiasm and the growing discomfort of those around him is the engine that drives the skit's humor.

The skit uses the name mispronunciation to create a dual layer of comedy. First, it's a simple but effective joke about miscommunication and the potential for linguistic mishaps. Second, and more importantly, it's a satire of the lengths to which people will go to acquire status symbols, even when faced with potentially embarrassing or off-putting associations. The characters are caught between their desire for the luxury and their revulsion at the implication of the name "Herpes."

Sketch Breakdown and Key Moments:

The skit unfolds in a series of increasingly absurd scenarios, each highlighting the awkwardness of the "Herpes" association:

* The Introduction: Affleck's character begins by directly addressing the audience, confidently presenting the Hermes handbags and emphasizing their exclusivity and desirability. He uses phrases like "the ultimate status symbol" and "a timeless investment," typical marketing language associated with luxury brands. This initial setup establishes the contrast between the intended prestige and the impending comedic disaster.

* The Customer's Confusion: The first interaction involves a potential customer (played by one of the female cast members) who is initially intrigued by the handbags. However, when Affleck's character repeatedly refers to them as "Herpes" bags, she becomes visibly uncomfortable and begins to question her interest. Her polite attempts to correct his pronunciation are brushed aside, further escalating the awkwardness.

* The Escalating Discomfort: As the skit progresses, the reactions become more pronounced. Another character expresses outright disgust, while others try to subtly steer the conversation away from the unfortunate name. Affleck's character, however, remains blissfully ignorant, even boasting about the "Herpes" brand's history and craftsmanship.

* The Ex-Girlfriend Revelation: A particularly memorable moment involves the entrance of Affleck's character's ex-girlfriend (played by another cast member), who reveals that she contracted herpes from him. This revelation adds a layer of dark humor to the skit, directly connecting the mispronounced brand name to the actual disease. The ex-girlfriend's presence throws the entire situation into further chaos, amplifying the discomfort and highlighting the absurdity of the situation.

* The Desperate Sales Pitch: Despite the increasingly negative reactions, Affleck's character remains undeterred. He becomes more desperate in his sales pitch, emphasizing the bags' supposed benefits and attempting to downplay the "Herpes" association. This desperation only serves to make the situation even funnier, as he becomes increasingly detached from reality.

* The Finale: The skit typically ends with a punchline that underscores the absurdity of the entire situation. This could involve Affleck's character finally realizing his mistake, or it could involve an even more outlandish development that further complicates the already chaotic scenario.

Comedic Elements and Techniques:

The "Hermes Handbags" skit employs several comedic techniques to achieve its humorous effect:

* Misunderstanding and Miscommunication: The core of the skit's humor lies in the central misunderstanding of the brand name. This creates a constant sense of awkwardness and anticipation, as the audience knows that the inevitable confrontation is looming.

* Irony and Juxtaposition: The skit juxtaposes the aspirational nature of luxury brands with the unpleasant association of the mispronounced name. This creates a sense of irony, as the characters are caught between their desire for status and their aversion to the implied meaning.

* Character-Driven Humor: The characters' reactions to the situation are crucial to the skit's success. Their expressions of discomfort, disgust, and confusion amplify the humor and make the situation even more relatable.

* Physical Comedy: While not a primary focus, the skit often incorporates physical comedy, such as exaggerated facial expressions and awkward body language, to further enhance the humor.

* Dark Humor: The inclusion of the ex-girlfriend character and the revelation about her contracting herpes adds a layer of dark humor to the skit. This pushes the boundaries of good taste but ultimately contributes to the skit's overall comedic impact.