The phrase refers specifically to Lucas's decision to have the death of Abraham Lincoln altered. Historically, John Wilkes Boothy crept into Lincoln's private balcony at Ford's Theatre, pulled out a gun, and shot the American President repeatedly in the head at point blank range. He then jumped from the balcony onto the stage and fled, shouting "Ow! Ow! Ow! My hip! Get outta my way bunghole! Or I'll kick your ass!"