Tag Archives: funny

Time Flies Like An Arrow, Fruit Files Like A Banana

The phrase is structured as follows:

“Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.”

This phrase plays on linguistic ambiguity and misinterpretation:

  • “Time flies” can mean both that time moves quickly and, in a literal sense, refer to “flies” (insects) related to time.
  • “like an arrow” uses a simile to indicate the speed at which time passes.
  • “Fruit flies” can refer to both the insects (fruit flies) and a subject-verb structure where “fruit” is the noun and “flies” is the verb.
  • “Like a banana” is where the humor solidifies—it forces the listener to reprocess the second phrase, realizing that “flies” is now a noun rather than a verb.

I heard this joke from my classmate C. We were having a conversation about jokes that rely on linguistic tricks, particularly ones that make the listener momentarily confused before the humor clicks. C mentioned that this kind of joke, which plays on multiple meanings of words in a single sentence, is similar to classic wordplay found in old Vaudevillian comedy routines.

This phrase is a great example of a garden path sentence, which is a sentence that leads the listener to interpret it one way before forcing a re-interpretation. The humor arises from the way English grammar allows multiple meanings depending on syntax and context.

The first part sets up a familiar phrase, while the second part twists expectations, making the listener realize that “flies” has been reinterpreted in an unexpected way. This kind of humor requires cognitive flexibility as it forces the brain to reconsider its initial assumptions about meaning.

Beyond simple wordplay, this phrase reflects the fluidity of language and the human enjoyment of wit and mental puzzles. It also highlights the role of misinterpretation in humor, which is a common theme in folklore, riddles, and even literary traditions. Additionally, it shows how oral traditions evolve, as variations of the phrase have been passed around, modified, and adapted for different contexts.

The joke’s endurance across generations suggests that linguistic playfulness is a universal human trait and that humor based on language is not just entertainment but also a demonstration of how deeply people engage with words and meaning.

Date of performance: 2/11/25
Language: English
Nationality: American
Occupation: Student
Primary Language: English
Residence: Los Angeles

You wouldn’t punch a gift horse in the mouth.

Nationality: American
Age: 18
Occupation: Student
Residence: Poughkeepsie, NY
Language: English

Text: “You wouldn’t punch a gift horse in the mouth.”

Informant: “The first time I heard ‘You wouldn’t punch a gift horse in the mouth,’ I remember being told that wasn’t the saying, and I got confused because, well you wouldn’t punch a gift horse in the mouth. The people I was with agreed with that logic and ever since then it’s been my go-to proverb. I believe it represents a proverb’s ability to evolve into the modern age; for a meaning to stay timeless even as the context changes. It is this mentality that I try and take with me. No matter what I do, it’s important to stay timeless but real to myself. Even if my context changes, my meaning stays the same.” 

Interpretation: The informant’s misinterpretation of “Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth” into “You wouldn’t punch a gift horse in the mouth” highlights the nature of language and the way proverbs can evolve while maintaining their core meaning. Traditionally, the original saying advises against inspecting or questioning a gift, but the informant’s version changes the focus to a funnier, simpler truth—appreciation and respect for what is given. By applying this perspective to their own life, they express a desire to remain both timeless and authentic, suggesting that personal identity should be flexible in context but unwavering in essence. Their reflection on the proverb’s adaptability speaks to the nature of wisdom, emphasizing that while language and circumstances may change, fundamental values remain relevant. The reinterpretation of the proverb, rather than diminishing its meaning, reinforces the idea that wisdom is not just about rigid tradition but about finding truth in every era.

Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime

Nationality: American
Age: 19
Occupation: Student
Residence: Los Angeles, CA
Language: English

Text: “Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime”.

Informant: “A proverb that was introduced to me by a friend is ‘give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime. This saying was exhausted by my friend over a dozen times as he failed to teach me how to fish last summer. I associate this proverb with immense frustration and delusions of superiority and wisdom from my friend, as he too failed to catch a fish. I don’t even like fish like that. Salmon is good if prepared properly.”

Interpretation: This classic proverb highlights self-sufficiency and the long-term benefits of education over short-term aid. The informant’s humorous take on the phrase shows its challenges and its idealism, showing the frustration that can come with both teaching and learning. The experience suggests that knowledge alone is not enough, but execution plays a part as well. This perspective showcases the limitations of knowledge when it is isolated from success, exposing the bridge between theory and reality. A.B’s comment about not even liking fish also adds a layer of irony, questioning whether the skill being taught is even valuable to the learner, making it a playful critique of unwanted advice and misguided mentorship.

Funny Burmese Pun

Nationality: Burmese

Primary Language: Burmese

Other Language(s): English, Chinese

Age: 19

Occupation: Student

Residence: Los Angeles, CA

Performance Date: 02/17/2024

A.N is 19 years old, and is currently a USC student who’s originally from Yangon, Myanmar. She is my current suite mate and has been a friend since middle school, since we are from the same hometown and school. I asked her if she uses or is familiar with any sayings, proverbs, jokes or folk speech within our culture. 

“Yes, when I was really young, probably when I was like in my elementary years, my family members said this saying to me really often. It’s a really funny saying, you probably know it too. Whenever I would trip or hurt myself, they say “ချီတုံးမတ်တတ်ထ ခဏနာကြပြောက်” (pronounced as “chi tone ma ta hta, kana naa kyaut pyaut”) *laughs*. It directly translates to “Poop stand up, in a bit, it won’t hurt anymore”. I think my older family members said this as a joke to make me laugh and distract me from crying out of pain right after I trip. Obviously, the saying is absurd and doesn’t make sense, but to a kid, it’s a really funny image to be distracted by. They don’t say it anymore to me because I’ve grown up but they have said it to my sister when she was younger too.”

Since I am also Burmese, I’ve heard this folk speech before. I don’t remember it being said to me, probably because I was too young to remember, but they’ve said it to my younger brother as a child. It sounds pretty jarring in English but it makes a lot more sense in Burmese, since the sentence flows like an alliteration. On top of just a joke, I interpret this folk speech as a clever word play in Burmese language, and is used by protective parents that cherish their children.

The tale of the Stuttgarter Ratskeller

Nationality: German
Age: 19
Occupation: Student
Residence: Stuttgart, Germany
Performance Date: 04/03/23
Primary Language: English
Language: German, Arabic

Text: “One popular legend in Stuttgart, Germany is the tale of the Stuttgarter Ratskeller. According to the legend, the Ratskeller (City Hall cellar) was once home to basically a group of goblins or dwarfs known as the Stuttgarter Männle. The story goes that these goblins would steal food, spill wine, and generally wreak havoc. The citizens of Stuttgart tried everything they could to get rid of the Männle, but nothing worked. One day, a cook came up with a plan. He prepared a large vat of stew and laced it with a potent sleeping potion. He then placed the stew in the Ratskeller, where the Männle could smell it from their hiding place in the cellar. As soon as the Männle tasted the stew, they fell into a deep sleep, and the cook quickly sealed the cellar shut with a large stone slab. The Männle were trapped inside, never to cause trouble again. The Stuttgarter Ratskeller is still sealed and people say that the goblins still sleep beneath the city streets.”

Context: BA is one of my closest friends and was very happy to be sharing folklore from his hometown. Apparently, this is a very very popular folk tale that is told even to tourists visiting Stuttgart. BA was told this story by his mother when he was about 8 years old and BA claims he always thought it was funny. He always knew it was not a true story but also thought it was very cool how an effort was made to keep the ratskellar closed. He also recalls how when he was little he was more keen on the possibility of the story being real but now he obviously knows it is untrue. BA believes this is a tale more suited for younger audiences and tourists unfamiliar with the folklore of Stuttgart.

Analysis: This was a very fun tale and I actually found myself to be very intrigued. BA was also very well versed when telling it, which showed me it was an important piece of folklore from his hometown. The story is typically told by locals and tour guides who want to share the city’s rich history and culture with others, but it is kept alive within the community itself usually from a mother or father to their own children. The legend of the Stuttgarter Ratskeller is an example of a classic folk tale that tells the story of mischievous creatures who are eventually defeated by human ingenuity. The tale reflects a common theme in folklore where humans overcome supernatural forces using their intelligence and cunning. The story of the Stuttgarter Männle is also a way for the people of Stuttgart to connect with their past and honor their ancestors. The city has a long and storied history, and the legend of the Stuttgarter Ratskeller is one way for the people of Stuttgart to remember their past and preserve their cultural heritage. Additionally, the legend of the Stuttgarter Männle is a fun and entertaining story that captures the imagination of both children and adults. The tale has been retold in many different forms, including plays, books, and movies, and it continues to be a beloved part of Stuttgart’s folklore. But, from what BA told me, it seems to be more suited for a younger audience.