Murphs and Melvins
Created | Updated Jan 28, 2002
There seems to be some confusion regarding the nature of Melvins and Murphs. While both Melvins and Murphs are similar acts of juvenile torture and both are generally painful, it should be pointed out that a Melvin involves hoisting someone up by the front of their undergarment, while a Murph involves lifting the victim from the rear. Because of physics and the form of the human body, a Murph creates a "wedgy," the lodging of the undergarment between the buttocks, while a Melvin, unless an extreme example, does not. The destinction is important for those wishing to engage in such activities, generally American males between the ages of 12 and 16, as Melvins can cause actual injury rather than the embarrassment and discomfort brought on by Murphs. It should also be pointed out that Murphs work much better with wearers of briefs, whereas Melvins are equally effective on wearers of both briefs and boxers.
