[s1e2] Purple Giraffe -

Barney introduces his first made-up statistic: at every New York party, there is a girl who knows no one and is a "prime target" for a hookup. The Meaning of the "Purple Giraffe"

When Robin misses the first party due to her job at Metro News 1, Ted throws a second, and then a third party on consecutive nights to ensure she attends. [S1E2] Purple Giraffe

Fans and critics note that the giraffe represents Robin—the prize Ted is so obsessed with winning that he gets "stuck" in a cycle of over-the-top gestures (like throwing three parties) instead of just being himself. Barney introduces his first made-up statistic: at every