One-liners have been popular for centuries, with the oldest surviving joke book, the Philogelos, containing a classic doctor joke. Shakespeare and medieval jesters used one-liners to amuse the royal court, and they remain in vogue with todays comedians due to their ease of rememberance, quick delivery, and ability to brighten up various occasions.
Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 14 September 2023
Publisher: Ad Lib Publishers Ltd
For centuries, short, quick-fire jokes have been a source of laughter and entertainment. The world's oldest surviving joke book, the Philogelos, written in Ancient Greek, contains a classic doctor joke:
Patient: 'Doctor! When I wake up, I'm all dizzy. Then after half an hour, I feel fine.'
Doctor: 'Well, wait half an hour before waking up.'
Meanwhile, in Rome, humor was a part of every occasion, from senate orations and lavish feasts to throwing Christians to the lions. A Cicero stand-up gig was the hottest ticket in town.
Shakespeare was known for his one-liners, which he seamlessly incorporated into his comedies. Medieval jesters, too, used pithy quips to amuse the royal court, knowing that a failed joke could lead to their execution. 'Dying on stage' carried a more sinister connotation for comedians in those days.
It's no wonder that one-liners continue to be popular among today's comedians. They are easy to remember, quick to deliver, and if one gag fails to resonate with the audience, another is waiting in the wings, ready to receive a better reception. Here is a compilation of the best one-liners from various sources, encompassing a diverse range of topics such as families, fish, money, music, relationships, religion, and technology, to travel. These one-liners can be used to brighten up business conferences, dinner parties, seemingly endless Zoom calls, and even emotional wedding speeches.
In conclusion, the tradition of delivering short, quick-fire jokes has endured for centuries, providing laughter and entertainment to people across different cultures and time periods. Whether used in a doctor's office, a Roman amphitheater, or a modern comedy club, one-liners continue to hold their charm and appeal, delivering a punchline that can leave audiences in stitches. So, the next time you're looking for a way to brighten up a conversation or add some humor to a situation, remember the timeless power of a well-crafted one-liner.
Weight: 120g
Dimension: 197 x 128 x 8 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781802471212
