Young Sheldon's 'Depends' Joke and Mary's Reaction, Finally Explained

In the season 6 episode, Ruthless, Toothless, and a Week of Bed Rest, Connie is trying to get the remote from under the bed for Mandy, but her back gives out at the worst possible moment, and she ends up lying on the floor, unable to get up.

Mary later comes in and wants to help her mom get up, but she refuses by saying that she will get up when she is ready.

Mary is worried about her and asks what Connie will do when nature calls, to which Meemaw replies, "Depends."

Mary is confused by the answer, and then Connie says that it's a joke. Mandy gets it, but Mary still doesn't.

So what is the joke, and why do Mandy and Connie know about it, and Mary doesn't? Well, there are actually two possible explanations.

First, there is an adult diaper brand, Depend, which is the most reasonable explanation. Connie could've used them due to her age, and Mandy could've used them, or at least heard of them, because she is pregnant.

These diapers were launched circa 1984, and Mary had already had all her kids by then, so it makes sense that she doesn't know the brand and doesn't get the joke.

However, there could be a second, less elaborate, explanation for the joke. "Depends" sounds a bit like "the pants" (said in a specific accent).

That would be another hilarious answer to how Connie will go to the bathroom when she's lying on the floor. Although, this wouldn't explain why Mary doesn't get it. Maybe she is just too sophisticated for this type of joke?

Anyway, this punchline is a great example of how a family comedy show can subtly get more adult-oriented jokes into the show.

That is not to say that we don't appreciate all the clever sarcasm that evades Sheldon and the even more ironic burns that he accidentally comes up with on his own.

We certainly do, but it's a nice change of pace.