Send me your paraprosdokians.

Posted on February 15, 2010
Filed Under General | View Comments

A paraprosdokian (from Greek “????-”, meaning “beyond” and “?????????”, meaning “expectation”) 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.

Groucho Marx was the king of the art form, and more lately, the late Mitch Hedberg.

I find them hysterical:

“I’ve had a perfectly wonderful evening, but this wasn’t it.” — Groucho Marx

“I haven’t slept for ten days, because that would be too long.” — Mitch Hedberg

So I’m starting a collection, and welcome your additions.

Here’s one of mine:

“I had to take my inner child to work today because I couldn’t get a sitter.”  – Rory Cohen

Not even sure if this is a paraprosdokian.  Anyone know?  Looking forward to seeing yours!

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