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Paraprosdokian

fatboy

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A paraprosdokian is a figure of speech in which the latter part of a sentence or phrase is surprising or unexpected in a way that causes the reader or listener to reframe or reinterpret the first part. It is frequently used for humorous or dramatic effect, sometimes producing an anticlimax. For this reason, it is extremely popular among comedians and satirists.




Ø I asked God for a bike, but I know God doesn't work that way, so I stole a bike and asked for forgiveness.



Ø Going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in a garage makes you a car.



Ø The last thing I want to do is hurt you, but it’s still on the list.



Ø If I agreed with you, we'd both be wrong. (I have to remember this one)



Ø We never really grow up, we only learn how to act in public.



Ø War does not determine who is right – only who is left.



Ø Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit; Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.



Ø Evening news is where they begin with ‘Good evening’, and then proceed to tell you why it isn't.



Ø To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism; To steal from many is research.



Ø Dolphins are so smart that within a few weeks of captivity, they can train people to stand on the very edge of the pool and throw them fish.



Ø I thought I wanted a career, turns out I just wanted pay checks.



Ø A bank is a place that will lend you money, if you can prove that you don't need it.



Ø Whenever I fill out an application, in the part that says “In an emergency, notify:” I put “DOCTOR”.



Ø I didn't say it was your fault, I said I was blaming you.



Ø Why does someone believe you when you say there are four billion stars, but check when you say the paint is wet?



Ø Why do Americans choose from just two people to run for president and 50 for Miss America ?



Ø A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.



Ø You do not need a parachute to skydive. You only need a parachute to skydive twice.



Ø The voices in my head may not be real, but they have some good ideas!



Ø Always borrow money from a pessimist. He won't expect it back.



Ø A diplomat is someone who can tell you to go to hell in such a way that you will look forward to the trip.



Ø Money can't buy happiness, but it sure makes misery easier to live with.



Ø I discovered I scream the same way whether I'm about to be devoured by a great white shark or if a piece of seaweed touches my foot.



Ø I used to be indecisive. Now I'm not sure.



Ø You're never too old to learn something stupid.



Ø Nostalgia isn't what it used to be.

 
Similar to "Deep Thoughts, by Jack Handy" (from the early days of SNL, look it up on Google). Example:

God did not put me on this planet to judge other people.

I was put here to gather specimens and take them back to my home planet.
 
Yikes said:
Similar to "Deep Thoughts, by Jack Handy" (from the early days of SNL, look it up on Google). Example:God did not put me on this planet to judge other people.

I was put here to gather specimens and take them back to my home planet.
Ok, Yikes, now I REALLY know you're an OK guy. "Deep Thoughts" was just awesome.

My favorite: Most people think clowns are funny, but not me. I think it goes back to the time a clown killed my father.
 
Deep Thoughts--absolutely the best!!! Had a daily calendar many years ago with Deep Thoughts. Did not have a sick day that year.
 
Ah, Yogi - a national treasure, on so many levels. His expressions are a unique art form... I don't know whether they are the unwitting or the intentional work of a true genius, or both.

"90% of the game is half mental."

When you hear that, how can you not be both mentally frustrated and utterly delighted at the same time?
 
Henny Youngman was also a master at Paraprosdokian sentences. His "Take my wife - Please" is probably the best known but there are so many more. He was born in Britain on March 16, 1906. He passed away on February 24, 1998. He is known for his comedy routine that included a violin and a series of one-liners. Here are just a few.

"Do you know what it means to come home at night to a woman who'll give you a little love, a little affection, a little tenderness? It means you're in the wrong house, that's what it means."

"I once wanted to become an atheist, but I gave up - they have no holidays."

"I played a great horse yesterday! It took seven horses to beat him."

"I take my wife everywhere, but she keeps finding her way back."

"I told the doctor I broke my leg in two places. He told me to quit going to those places."

"I've been in love with the same woman for forty-one years. If my wife finds out, she'll kill me."

"I've got all the money I'll ever need, if I die by four o'clock."
 
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