Paraprosdokian

[osodecanela]

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 reframe or reinterpret the first part. It is frequently used for humorous or dramatic effect, sometimes producing an anticlimax.

Never knew this figure of speech had been named, but its a form of which I'm rather fond.

If you have nothing nice to say, sit next to me." - Dorothy Parker

Comments

[bluebear2.livejournal.com]

Would it also include: "This is really great... NOT!" ?

[osodecanela.livejournal.com]

I would think so, but the ones I really like, hit a moment after they're uttered.

"I've had a perfectly wonderful evening; unfortunately, this one wasn't it." -Groucho Marx
"I don't belong to an organized political party. I'm a Democrat." - Will Rogers
"A modest man, who has much to be modest about." - Winston Churchill

[allanh.livejournal.com]

This reminds me of my favorite Mormonism.

"Shut the front door!"