"they're literally just references"
That's what all memes are

At least this one was a fair trade in-universe, and I don't remember but I am almost sure that Farquaad was going to… scratch that, he did honor the deal, the only strings attached were in Shrek's heart.

Great deal, actually, he didn't originally owned the swamp, just lived there, but now he has a notarized title and all. Wish I could pull that.