I think Word to Your Mother may be one of my favorite things to say to people.
I don’t like it because it’s retro or hipster or because it makes me think of Mark Wahlberg when he used to be Marky Mark. I like it because it’s weird. It’s just a weird thing to say.
I always think “Which word?” And then I start thinking “You know that phrase could kind of be a threat. Or it could mean your mom is a total MILF and they wanna say hi. Or it could just be a weird thing to say.” It’s ambiguity and the prospect of it confusing people is why I love it so.
I also really enjoy telling people “Jamaica Me Crazy” because it’s something a dad who thinks he’s being funny would say. Realistically, I like weird quirky little phrases because language is a place where I can amuse myself endlessly.
Or perhaps I am just weird and quirky.
For instance my favorite joke is this:
Why did the monkey fall out of the three?
Because it was dead.
Why did the squirrel fall out of the tree?
Because it was tied to the monkey.
Yes, this is an actual joke that someone else told me.
Now, here’s why I love it. No one ever guesses that the monkey was dead. The answer comes completely out of left field and shocks people. Then they always guess the squirrel is dead – which is hilarious because why would it be funny if you know the answer? Facts aren’t funny (and that’s a fact). But then, finally, most people ask “Why would a squirrel be tied to a monkey?”
Why would ANY of that joke happen? Why would anything in ANY joke happen? Why would a rabbi, a priest and a zebra walk into a bar? Because it’s a JOKE. But there’s something about this particular joke that makes people want answers. Which amuses me.
You know why a rabbi, a priest and a zebra walk into a bar? Because it’s ludicrous. And facts aren’t funny.
I read “tired of the monkey.”
Which makes less sense, I suppose. But in my head it was a really annoying monkey.
You're very right, facts aren't funny. Well, the story about a dog shooting his owner in the butt was funny.
My husband loves jokes like that. He tells them all the time.
I'm definitely telling my husband this joke, it's totally the kind of joke he'd tell.
You made me laugh and hurt my brain in this one post.
You quirky over-analyzer, you!
I think of Vanilla Ice with word to your mother.
Ice, ice, baby.
I'm with Shell. And now I'm probably going to have that damn song in my head all day because the fact that Vanilla Ice and Marky Mark were ever on the radio isn't funny at all.
I do have a soft spot for the monkey/squirrel joke.
One of my grade school friends had a favorite joke: “What's the difference between an orange?” He'd ask it and then bust out laughing, partly because the question made no sense, but mostly because he knew I couldn't stand that the question made no sense. And it would drive me nuts that he found that nonsensical question so damn funny.
Some of us need facts. Or at least congruence.
I guess what I'm saying is, I have issues.
Facts aren't funny. Monkeys and dead squirrels? So funny!
Wait. I just read the comments and am confused, the squirrel is not dead right just the monkey? The squirrel just fell out of the tree, but not dead?
I like to say “Tru Dat”. It makes me feel cool and always makes people look up and nod their heads.
I also enjoy saying “raise the roof” with the raise the roof hand motions and probably a few woo woos. It just feels good and makes you smile. Try it. You cant do it without smiling. It is also guaranteed to make my Tween crazy which is a nice side benefit.
Word to your mother is awesome.
I love the way your brain works!
I'm going to have to tell everyone I know that joke…
Word
Hee! Love this, and love playing with words, too!
Would you believe I tell that joke?
Another that I love and makes so many groan is…
Why did the elephant paint his toenails red?
So he could hide in the cherry tree.
Have you ever seen an elephant in a cherry tree?
See! It works.
#yourewelcome
I have a friend that tells a series of monkey jokes. They are really funny or maybe it is just the way she says them.