Date: Sat, 22 Nov 1997 11:43:12 -0500
From: George Trail <gtrail-AT-UH.EDU>
Subject: Re: PLC: MotduJour:"gull"



>I don't trust people who won't laugh at puns.  I'll make an exception in your
>case, though, if you don't like them. You do have other good qualities.
>
>best,
>
>pat sloane
>
Let me suggest that you not trust someone who _does_ laugh at puns. It is
an indication that the pun is recognized as such, but as feeble, i.e. a
laughable attempt at a "true" pun. The true punster knows that she has
succeeded with a real zinger when half the poplulation of the room gets up
and leaves. The utter worst (& therefore best, since the great punster is
shameless) is the shaggy dog story which takes at least 30 minutes to tell.
Expert SD'rs just _allude_ to the famous punch lines (one of the most
elaborate involves being arrested for transporting underage gulls across
staid lions for immortal porpoises). I wouldn't send a knight out on a dog
like this. Where were you when fit hit the Shan? Frayed knot.

The test of the afficiando is for the pun to be received with a utterly
straight face. Perhaps one could clear the throat. Perhaps a slight cough
into the top of a closed hand. A slightly raised eyebrow.

cheers,
g






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