Monday 13 January 2014

Paraprosdokians


A paraprosdokian (from Greek, meaning "beyond" and "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. For this reason, it is extremely popular among comedians and satirists.
            Some paraprosdokians not only change the meaning of an early phrase, but also play on the double meaning of a particular word, creating a syllepsis.


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A conclusion is the place where you got tired of thinking. - Unknown

A signature always reveals a man’s character - and sometimes even his name. - Evan Esar

A woman’s mind is cleaner than a man’s: She changes it more often. - Oliver Herford

Always listen to experts. They’ll tell you what can’t be done, and why. Then do it. - Robert Heinlein

Always remember that you are absolutely unique. Just like everyone else. - Margaret Mead

Ambition is a poor excuse for not having enough sense to be lazy.
- Unknown

As a young child my mother told me I can be anyone I want to be. Turns out this is called identity theft. - Unknown

Change is inevitable, except from a vending machine. - Unknown

Children really brighten up a household. They never turn the lights off. - Ralph Bus

Clothes make the man. Naked people have little or no influence on society. - Mark Twain

Come live in my heart, and pay no rent. - Samuel Lover

Common sense is not a gift, it is a punishment. Because you have to deal with everyone who doesn’t have it. - Unknown

Death is caused by swallowing small amounts of saliva over a long period of time. - George Carlin

Diplomacy is saying ‘nice doggy’... until you find a rock. - Unknown

Don’t be so serious, if you can‘t laugh at yourself, call me …. I’ll laugh at you! - Unknown

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