‘Brushing Up on My Italian Sausage’: The Wheel of Fortune Puzzle That Broke the Internet

In early 2020, Wheel of Fortune delivered a puzzle so unexpectedly hilarious that it quickly went viral. Contestant Adam Goodell correctly solved:

“Brushing up on my Italian sausage,” winning $2,450 and a spot in the bonus round. But it was the phrase itself—not the prize—that had viewers in stitches.

The moment the puzzle filled in, audiences did a double-take. Was it about cooking—or something far more risqué? Social media lit up with reactions,

from “Bruh, what intern wrote that?” to “I’m dead .” Many praised the cheeky double entendre, especially given the show’s wholesome, family-friendly vibe.

Even host Pat Sajak couldn’t help but chuckle, clarifying with a grin, “It’s a grilling expression,” which only fueled the online frenzy.

Images of the board quickly circulated on Twitter, turning the moment into meme gold.

Whether intentional or not, the puzzle became one of the most memorable in Wheel history. Adam walked away with cash and internet fame,

while fans got a hilarious reminder that even the most polished game shows aren’t immune to the occasional double entendre.

And now, “brushing up on my Italian sausage” lives on—as both a cooking phrase and a pop culture punchline.