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Dr. Paraprosdokian?

Posted by Rick Hosmer on September 02 2010| 0 Comments

Writing interesting, appealing headlines and accurate, compelling copy is something we do everyday at Klündt | Hosmer. The English language is interesting and using it to communicate clearly can be difficult, even for native speakers (just ask our Columbian designer, Henry if he always understands what we're talking about!)

A friend of mine emailed me something about a partiular figure of speech that was new to me: the paraprosdokian

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. For example:

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

I didn't say it was your fault, I said I was blaming you.

You do not need a parachute to skydive. You only need a parachute to skydive twice.

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

A diplomat is someone who can tell you to go to hell in such a way that you will look forward to the trip.
 
Hospitality: making your guests feel like they're at home, even if you wish they were.

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

I always take life with a grain of salt, plus a slice of lemon, and a shot of tequila.

You're never too old to learn something stupid.

To be sure of hitting the target, shoot first and call whatever you hit the target.
 
I saw a woman wearing a sweat shirt with "Guess" on it...so I said "Implants?"

Some people hear voices. Some see invisible people. Others have no imagination whatsoever.
 
Nostalgia isn't what it used to be.

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And now you know that "paraprosdokian" has nothing to do with assisted suicide.