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.
When I eventually met Mr. Right I
had no idea that his first name was Always. - Rita Rudner
When I feel like exercising I just
lie down until the feeling goes away. - Robert
M. Hutchins
When I read about the evils of
drinking, I gave up reading. - Trent Redman
When I was a kid I used to pray
every night for a new bicycle. Then I realised that the Lord doesn’t work that
way so I stole one and asked Him to forgive me. - Emo Philips
When I was a kid my parents moved a lot, but I always found them. - Rodney Dangerfield
When I was
kidnapped, my parents snapped into action. They rented out my room. - Woody Allen
When I was young, I was scared of
the dark. Now when I see my electricity bill I am scared of the lights. - Unknown
Where there’s a will, there’s a relative. - Ricky Gervais
When tempted to fight fire with fire, remember that the Fire Department usually uses water. - Unknown
When things haven’t gone well for
you, call in a secretary or a staff man and chew him out. You will sleep better
and they will appreciate the attention. - Lyndon
B. Johnson
When we played softball, I’d steal
second base, feel guilty and go back. - Woody
Allen
When you come to
a fork in the road, take it. - Unknown
Whenever I fill out an application, in the part that says "If
an emergency, notify:" I put "DOCTOR". - Unknown
Whoever said money can't buy
happiness simply didn't know where to go shopping. - Bo Derek
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