The phrase is Lorelai’s shorthand for selling out.
The episode explores the seductive nature of wealth. Lorelai sees the luxury as a trap, while Rory sees it as a bridge to her grandfather. [S1E17] Ate The Hamburgers, Wearing The Hats
This episode of Gilmore Girls (“The Insidious Bending of Gilmore”) is a masterclass in the tension between Lorelai’s fiercely guarded independence and the inescapable pull of the Gilmore family world. The phrase is Lorelai’s shorthand for selling out
Dean’s awkwardness at the Gilmore dinner highlights the class divide that remains a central theme throughout the series. Lorelai’s Internal Struggle [S1E17] Ate The Hamburgers, Wearing The Hats
For Lorelai, eating the fancy burgers and wearing the party hats isn't just about fun; it’s a sign that you’ve been "assimilated" into the rigid world of Emily and Richard Gilmore.