Search

The Online Encyclopedia and Dictionary

 
     
 

Encyclopedia

Dictionary

Quotes

 

Paraprosdokian

A paraprosdokian is a figure of speech that uses an unexpected ending to a series or phrase. It can be used for joking or for dramatic effect.

Examples:

  • "He was at his best when the going was good." -- Alistair Cooke on the Duke of Windsor
  • It was a beautiful day in March when I was hit by a bus

A humorous triple is a kind of paraprosdokian.

Last updated: 08-08-2005 09:10:02
The contents of this article are licensed from Wikipedia.org under the GNU Free Documentation License. How to see transparent copy