It is a common misconception that the Simpson cartoon characters are responsible for those two seminal phrases - 'D'oh' by Homer Simpson and 'Eat my shorts' by Bart Simpson (Oxford Mail, August 17).

In fact, they are both guilty of plagiarism.

'D'oh' was first uttered by the actor James Finlayson on many occasions in the Laurel and Hardy series.

And 'Eat my shorts' was first used by Antony 'Meat' Tupparello in the film about bawdy students, Porky's.

So there!

PAUL LUMLEY Oxford