I've heard it said that there are only seven basic jokes, and all the rest are variations. Of course it's an arbitrary number. There's really only 'seven' in the same way that there's 'seven' signs of ageing, 'seven' deadly sins, or 'seven' [insert witty put-down here].
But regardless of the actual number, can we identify a few basic joke-plans?
Shades of Scum, "Who's the daddy?" "Where's your punchline?"
Quote: Griff @ January 28 2009, 7:49 AM GMTHi Fred - I'm already working on this with my "Joke Formulas" threads. Keep watching!
OK, but that's run 64 replies so far, and I'm wondering if we could get anywhere closer to just 7ish. I heard this 'there are only 7 jokes' thing ages ago, but I don't think the author actually listed what his 7 were, so it's been annoying me for a while.
Quote: NoggetFred @ January 28 2009, 8:00 AM GMTOK, but that's run 64 replies so far, and I'm wondering if we could get anywhere closer to just 7ish. I heard this 'there are only 7 jokes' thing ages ago, but I don't think the author actually listed what his 7 were, so it's been annoying me for a while.
No Griff has just done Number 1 so far! Everyone gave their examples - mainly Sooty of course! Number 2 I expect will come today.
I, too, am expecting a number two today.
I think you might be getting muddled up with the idea that there are only supposed to be seven basic plots (overcoming the monster, rags to riches, the quest, voyage and return, comedy, tragedy, and rebirth?).
If I remember right, the one about the rabbit "mixing his toasties" is number five.
Quote: David Bussell @ January 28 2009, 12:08 PM GMTIf I remember right, the one about the rabbit "mixing his toasties" is number five.
Is that there a homage to John Updike?
Quote: chipolata @ January 28 2009, 12:16 PM GMTIs that there a homage to John Updike?
Sure, why not.
Quote: SlagA @ January 28 2009, 11:57 AM GMTI, too, am expecting a number two today.
Plop!
Surfing around today, I found this link to an article dealing with the '7 joke' theory.
http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?_r=1&res=9C05E2D71439E733A25751C0A9639C946897D6CF