Wednesday, January 26, 2011

A Paraprosdokian

I got this from my sister-in-law Noel and thought it was really good.

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 re-frame or reinterpret the first part, frequently used for humorous or dramatic effect. Here are some examples:

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

The last thing I want to do is hurt you. But it's still on the list.

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

We never really grow up; we only learn how to act in public.

War does not determine who is right -- only who is left.

I  asked God for a bike, but I know God doesn't work that way. So I stole a bike and asked for forgiveness.

Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit; Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.

Evening news is where they begin with 'Good evening,' and then proceed to tell you why it isn't.

To steal idea from one person is plagiarism. To steal from many is research.

A bus station is where a bus stops. A train station is where a train stops. My desk is a work station.

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

I thought I wanted a career; turns out I just wanted paychecks.

Whenever I fill out an application, in the part that says "In an emergency, notify:"  I put " A DOCTOR."

I didn't say it was your fault, I said I was blaming you.

Why does someone believe you when you say there are four billion stars, but check when you say the paint is wet?

Behind every successful man is his woman. Behind the fall of a successful man is usually another woman.

A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.

The voices in my head may not be real, but they have some good ideas!

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

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

I always take life with a grain of salt... plus a slice of lemon... and a shot of tequila.

You're never too old to learn something stupid.

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

Nostalgia isn't what it used to be.

8 comments:

Fantastyk Voyager said...

I love them all! I can't say the word for it but I laughed when I read them.

Rising Rainbow said...

I'm with FV definitely a funny list.

Anonymous said...

Why do I park on the driveway and drive on the parkway, I guess that's an oxymoron..when I grow up, I think I'll be a wordsmith..and just play with words all day..
Thanks for starting my day off with a thoughtful smile..

Anonymous said...

Thought provoking for sure! Why do I get the feeling Bob will be quoting these and making up more all day?

Michelle said...

ADORE these! Considering stealing this post and putting it on my own blog. ;) Some of my favorites:

The last thing I want to do is hurt you. But it's still on the list.

I asked God for a bike, but I know God doesn't work that way. So I stole a bike and asked for forgiveness.

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

Love it!!

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Mark's Space said...

Great fun Dan; I may use these with some of my students ~

Laughing Orca Ranch said...

I love words like that...it's just as much fun trying to say it!

lol!

~Lisa