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Paraprosdokian


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Your posh word for today:

 

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.....

 

 

 

Ø I want to die peacefully in my sleep, like my grandfather. Not screaming and yelling like the passengers in his car.

 

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 Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.

 

Ø If I agreed with you we'd both be wrong.

 

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 The early bird might get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.

 

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 A bus station is where a bus stops. A train station is where a train stops. On my desk, I have a work station.

 

Ø How is it one careless match can start a forest fire, but it takes a whole box to start a campfire?

 

Ø Some people are like Slinkies ... not really good for anything, but you can't help smiling when you see one tumble down the stairs.

 

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 paychecks.

 

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 "If 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 Hospitality: making your guests feel like they're at home, even if you wish they were.

 

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 Some cause happiness wherever they go. Others whenever they go.

 

Ø There's a fine line between cuddling and holding someone down so they can't get away.

 

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

 

Ø When tempted to fight fire with fire, remember that the Fire Department usually uses water.

 

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

 

Ø To be sure of hitting the target, shoot first and call whatever you hit the target.

 

Ø Nostalgia isn't what it used to be.

 

Ø Some people hear voices. Some see invisible people. Others have no imagination whatsoever.

 

Ø A bus is a vehicle that runs twice as fast when you are after it as when you are in it.

 

Ø Change is inevitable, except from a vending machine.

 

 

 

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Guest pelmetman
peter - 2011-02-01 7:51 PM

 

By afterwards, do you mean after you've paid her/him. :D

 

Of course 8-) what do think marriage is about :D

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And there was me thinking that Paraprosdokian was the prime minister of Greece?

 

I am indeed indebted to my learned friend!

 

What's brought about this sudden appetite for education Bruce - too cold to go out and play in Spain is it - or are the cafes all closed today!

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