mar 31
2009

Pun Intended

I missed this one: there's a controversy about Britney Spears' song "If U Seek Amy" because it actually sounds like she's saying "F.U.C.K. me" when she sings it. (Slate explore similar uses, which apparently go back to Joyce!) See also: a peculiar NYT op-ed rant, Pun for the Ages. So... pro-pun or anti-pun?

12 comments

Joyce loved puns. He used to take a notebook around with him and make puns of street and pub signs. So what's the hierarchy of humor?

1.Irony
2.Sarcasm
3.Pratfall
4.Pun

?

posted by stevemarsh at 6:03 PM on March 31, 2009

Damn it, Rex! You got me all excited that it was this Joyce you were talking about. I mean, it does include the track, "I Get All Excited."

posted by Eric at 9:34 PM on March 31, 2009

You're right - April Fool's Day is, without a doubt, the douchiest day of the year on the Internet. Every year it gets lamer and less funny. And I get older.

posted by CRZ at 1:11 AM on April 1, 2009

Pro.

posted by Steve at 1:38 PM on April 1, 2009

So what's the verdict? Pun>Punked? Nobody wants to help me with the comedy hierarchy?

posted by stevemarsh at 11:59 PM on April 1, 2009

stevemarsh, I'll round out the bottom of the list with fart jokes and toilet humor in general. Or really just farts all by themselves without any setup or context. Pretty funny!

posted by Eric at 7:01 PM on April 2, 2009

I find puns funnier than fart jokes. I think that makes me a mediocre snob. I should start drinking brandy and wearing a captain's hat like Ted Knight in Caddyshack.

posted by stevemarsh at 8:25 PM on April 2, 2009

OK how about ducks?

posted by Eric at 12:49 AM on April 3, 2009

You know the old axiom, "wine and humor don't travel"? I think ducks may be the exception that proves the rule.

posted by stevemarsh at 12:59 AM on April 3, 2009

I think it's brilliant. They edited it on the radio to have her "if you see Amy" instead of seek.

IM Niche Formula

posted by IM Formula Niche at 5:34 PM on April 6, 2009

I think it's brilliant. They edited it on the radio to have her "if you see Amy" instead of seek.

posted by IM Formula Niche at 5:35 PM on April 6, 2009

These celebrities are crazy, just watch any news with Britney, Paris and many others. Our society approved stupid celebrities and they use it.

Good luck, Den

posted by Den at 12:01 AM on April 7, 2009




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