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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.

01-04-2007 01:18:14
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