Paraprosdokian
If
you frequently read my blogs, you know that I like strange words. It must have
something to do with classical education and my preaching vocation. Although I
had several years of Latin, I am not proficient in it. Because the Bible, as we
have it, is a translation from the Hebrew and Greek, I have an academic
familiarity with both. That plus an addiction to crossword puzzles should
explain my fascination with obscure words.
Paraprosdokian
is a combination of two Greek words meaning “contrary to expectation.” A
paraprosdokian is a figure of speech in which the latter part of a sentence or
phrase is surprising or unexpected and frequently humorous. This is a favorite
ploy of comedians and people who cultivate a refined sense of humor.
Here
are a few examples:
· Where there is a will,
I want to be in it.
· The last thing I
want to do is hurt you…but it’s still on my list.
· I didn’t say it
was your fault, I said I was blaming you.
· I used to be
indecisive, but now I’m not sure.
· You’re never too
old to learn somethings stupid.
· If I agreed with
you, we’d both be wrong.
· I don’t belong to
an organized political party, I’m a Democrat. (Will Rogers)
I
think life is tough enough but when you can’t laugh at a quick turn of a phrase
you might be in need of a therapist. The Bible reminds us that laughter is good
for the soul and that’s from a good book that’s got lots of serious stuff in
it. I like a quick turn of a phrase because it catches me off guard and tickles
my funny bone.
There
is a small plaque in our guest bathroom that I frequently ponder on my visits
there. It reads “Blessed are they who can laugh at themselves, for they shall
never cease to be amused.” I think that’s a paraprosdokian!
