GR Magazine discussion

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-interpret the first part. It is frequently used for humorous or dramatic effect and for this reason it is popular with comedians and satirists. Winston Churchill and Groucho Marx were masters of paraprosdokians. Following are some examples. We invite you all to add to the list.

1. Do not argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level and beat you with experience.

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

3. Always borrow money from a pessimist. He won't expect it back.

4. A clear conscince is usually a sign of a bad memory.

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

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

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

8. Going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in a garage makes you a car.

I don't have any to add at this point, I just had to open the thread to see what the heck you were talking about! New vocabulary word for the day...