Paraprosdokian
Frequently used for humorous or dramatic effect – 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 re-interpret the first part.
For this reason, it is extremely popular among comedians and satirists.
- “I sleep eight hours a day and at least ten at night.” —Bill Hicks
- “You can always count on the Americans to do the right thing—after they have tried everything else.” —Winston Churchill
- Do not argue with an idiot. She/he will drag you down to her/his level and beat you with experience
- The last thing I want to do is hurt you. But it’s still on my list.
- Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.
- If I agreed with you, we’d both be wrong.
- To steal ideas 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. On my desk, I have a work station.
- Behind every successful man is his woman telling him that he is wrong.
- I used to be conceited but now I am perfect.
- Money can’t buy happiness, but it sure makes misery easier to live with.
- I used to be indecisive. Now I’m not so sure.
- A diplomat is someone who tells you to go to hell in such a way that you look forward to the trip.
Suresh Shah, M.D., Pathfinders Enterprise