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 re-frame or re-interpret the first part. It is frequently used for humorous or dramatic effect.
I first heard one of these and recognized it as such a while back when my glorious wife, Ann, told me of a t-shirt she'd seen. One the front it said:
"It's only funny until someone gets hurt…"
On the back was the punch line:
"…and then it's hilarious!"
Here are several that might make you smile:
- The last thing I want to do is hurt you. But it's still on the list.
- Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.
- Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit; Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
- To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism. To steal from many is research.
- A bus station is where a bus stops. A train station is where a train stops. On my desk, I have a work station.
- Hospitality: making your guests feel like they're at home, even if you wish they were.
- Some cause happiness wherever they go. Others whenever they go.
- Some people hear voices. Some see invisible people. Others have no imagination whatsoever.
- I used to be indecisive. Now I'm not so sure.
- (one of my favorites, in part because it's by P.G. Wodehouse) "She looks as though she's been poured into her clothes, and forgot to say 'when'."
So, have you heard any paraprosdokians lately?