Most likely the worst guess in Wheel of Fortune history is…

“The Greatest Buttercut?”: When Wheel of Fortune Goes Hilariously Off the Rails

If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping onto the gleaming set of Wheel of Fortune, spinning that iconic wheel, and dazzling America with your puzzle-solving genius — just remember: even the best contestants can make a giant oops. And when that happens? You either hide under the wheel… or laugh it off.

That’s exactly what Matt, one brave contestant, had to decide after making what might be one of the most legendary blunders in the show’s history.

During a round in the “People” category, Matt was presented with a nearly-solved puzzle:

N_ T – _ N _ R _ T _ _ N TH_

He had a strong board, he had a confident voice, and then — he guessed:

“The Greatest Buttercut.”

Buttercut?! Not quite, Matt. The correct answer, as you may have already guessed, was:

“The Next Generation.”

Host Pat Sajak, ever the cool-headed captain of the Wheel ship, managed to keep a straight face. But the internet? Not so composed. Social media lit up with jokes, memes, and fan-made graphics celebrating “The Greatest Buttercut” as a new superhero, a fancy haircut, or even a futuristic dessert.

Winning Anyway: A Sweet Slice of Redemption

Despite his hilarious mistake, Matt didn’t go home empty-handed. He wrapped up his time on the show with a cool $23,350 in winnings — proof that even a slip-up of buttery proportions can’t stop a solid game strategy. And he did what we all hope we’d do in his shoes: he laughed. Because really, what else can you do?

A Hall of Fame for Hilarious Guesses

Matt’s not alone in Wheel of Fortune’s wall of wacky guesses. Let’s rewind:

• In 2017, contestant Kevin tried to solve the iconic play title “A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE.” His guess?
  ➤ “A STREETCAR NAKED DESIRE.”
  Tennessee Williams rolled in his grave.
• In 2009, Lolita McAuley had the board nearly complete when she offered up:
  ➤ “SELF-POTATO” instead of “SELF-PORTRAIT.”
  A moment so tender, yet so starchy.
• And who could forget Julian in 2014, who mispronounced “Achilles” as “AY-chill-es” and dropped phrases like:
  ➤ “On-the-spot dicespin.”
  Whatever that means, we support the creative energy.

Why We Love These Blunders

These unforgettable flubs have become an oddly endearing part of Wheel of Fortune’s charm. They remind us that pressure does funny things to the brain — and that no one, not even the smartest among us, is immune to a moment of word salad.

In the end, it’s not just about solving puzzles or winning money. It’s about being a good sport, embracing the moment, and letting the world laugh with you — not at you.

So here’s to Matt, the man, the myth, the Greatest Buttercut. Your mistake might not have made sense… but it sure made history.