It turns out that when Conan and his siblings were kids, they always called their grandmother “Motty” without really knowing why. Curiosity got the better of him one day, and he decided to ask her about it. Much to his surprise, his grandmother revealed a fascinating backstory.

According to Conan, his grandmother explained that when she was young, she encountered a group of kids on the playground who were teasing and harassing her. Frustrated and determined to defend herself, she kicked at them, causing them to start calling her “Motty.” It turns out that there was a popular cartoon strip at the time that featured a mule or horse kicking people, and the character was named Mod.

In an excited manner, Conan shared his discovery with Sona, showing her the vintage cartoon strip. The comic depicted a mule or horse kicking various individuals, and Conan was enthralled by the revelation that his grandmother had probably seen this strip back in the early 1900s. The comic strip, titled “Mod,” was created by Frederick Burr Oper and first appeared in Hurst newspapers on July 24, 1904.

Conan and Sona couldn’t help but marvel at the connection to their family history and how it provided a glimpse into a different era. Conan reminisced about his grandmother’s memories of New York City in 1900, describing her vivid recollections of snowy carriages passing by.

The talk show host also shared his fascination with how his grandparents, who originated from Istanbul, Turkey, came to the United States and adapted to a whole new culture. He expressed a deep appreciation for his grandmother, who became an integral part of his childhood and connected him to a bygone era.

But the conversation took a humorous turn when Sona revealed her own childhood mischievousness. She confessed to partaking in a teasing game with her great-grandmother, who was very old at the time. Sona and her brother would remind her of a deceased son, which would instantly make her cry. They referred to it as the “parish game” and found amusement in her reactions.

Conan jokingly scolded Sona, emphasizing the importance of treating elderly relatives with respect and not causing them unnecessary emotional distress. The host urged listeners to think twice before engaging in such behavior, as it can be hurtful and insensitive.

In true Conan O’Brien fashion, the conversation gracefully transitioned from the heartfelt to the lighthearted, maintaining an entertaining and engaging atmosphere throughout. As always, Conan charmed his audience with his wit and ability to find humor in even the most personal stories.

The episode of Conan O’Brien‘s talk show served as a delightful reminder of the unique connections we have to our past, the importance of cherishing our grandparents’ stories, and the significance of treating our elderly loved ones with kindness and consideration.