11 Krusty the Clown was originally supposed to be Homer’s secret identity. But the idea was later dropped because it was too complex.

Originally Groening wanted The Simpsons to be about a kid who had no respect for his father but worshiped a clown who looked exactly like his father. But as the show progressed, the theme became less important. One of the initial concepts of the show had Krusty being revealed as Homer’s secret identity. But the writers were too busy developing the series, and the concept was too complex and had to be abandoned. Though they weren’t sure whether to always keep Krusty in his clown getup at all back then, they later decided it didn’t matter.(source)

12 “The Itchy & Scratchy & Poochie Show” was written by the creators in response to Fox’s suggestion that they add a new family member to boost the show ratings.

Before the production process for season 8 began, the executives at Fox suggested that the writers add a new permanent character who would live with the Simpsons. The writers found the move of desperation to boost a flagging show amusing and so created the show. As with most other episodes, almost all the characters for that show are based on the actual staff of The Simpsons.(source)

13 The term “meh” used to show indifference towards something was popularized by its use in The Simpsons.

“Meh” was first used in the episode “Sideshow Bob Roberts” in 1994 when a librarian reacts to Lisa’s surprise that voting records are not classified. The term also appears later in two other episodes “Lisa’s Wedding” and “Hungry Hungry Homer” in which Lisa spells out the word “M-E-H” for emphasis.(source)

14 Homer’s voice is the most downloaded GPS voice in the world, beating Darth Vader, Ali G and Brian Blessed. 

Originally released in 2009 and developed by GPS voice specialist Locutio Voice Technologies, the voice of Homer had a record six-figure sales in the first year itself. Almost 40 percent of US sat nav voice downloads were all Homer’s, and in 2011 it also became TomTom’s iPhone app navigator.(source)

15 Groening named Springfield, the fictional town in which The Simpsons takes place, after Springfield in Oregon. 

The Simpsons has always been evasive about which state the fictional American town of Springfield is located in. Depending on the story the town’s geography and surroundings contained coastlines, deserts, farmlands, mountains or any other such landscape. The name Springfield is also very common and appears in almost 22 states. Groening said that since it’s such a common name, everyone watching the show will think it’s their Sprinfield.(source)