Investigating the origins of American words, names, quotations and phrases. Over 41,000 entries.
How does the guy who drives the snowplow get to work in the mornings? In a 1964 television commercial and in print ads through the 1980s, the answer was that the snowplow driver drives a Volkswagen…
"Nillionaire" is a portmanteau word combining "nil" (nothing) and the suffix from such terms as "millionaire" and "billionaire." The word…
Skyscrapers don't actually reach the clouds, but they are still very tall buildings. A riddle has been printed on an image: Q: What does a cloud with an itchy rash do?A: Find the nearest…
Some people at school are victims of bullying. English comedian Tim Vine has used this joke in his act since at least 2008: "When I was at school, people used to throw gold bars at me. I was…
"We pause for station identification" has been said by radio announcers for many years. A riddle has been cited in print since at least 1940: Q: Why does a radio announcer have small…
One shouldn't stop while on a treadmill that is still operating. A joke was posted on Twitter on March 19, 2010: "When you stop and think about them, treadmills are really…
A joke about a dancer's birthday has been printed on an image: "Did you hear about the dancer's birthday? It was a tappy one!" The "tappy" birthday saying has been…
A joke about swimming -- and drinking -- was posted on Twitter by Alfie Moore on March 31, 2013: "I used to be addicted to swimming but I'm proud to say I've been dry for two years…
A theatre joke is: ""Did you hear about the actor who fell through the floorboards? He was just going through a stage." The "just going through a stage" pun has been cited…
A tennis riddle is: Q: Why are fish no good at tennis?A: They don't like to get too close to the net. The joke has been cited in print since at least 1984. Google BooksLaughs, Hoots &…
Many dramatic works are "based on a true story." If that story involves food, maybe it's "baste on a true story"? The pun was printed in the book Ridiculous Riddles (2003)…
"Break a leg!" is a theatrical saying meaning -- somewhat oddly -- "Good luck!" A joke was posted on Twitter by Ralph Tetta on July 5, 2011: "In showbiz, they tell you to…
Many people throw out receipts. "Instead of 'And here's your receipt', they should say, 'Will you throw this away for me?'" was posted on Twitter by Nick…
Many people apologize to their liver before drinking. "Dear Liver, I'm sorry but it is Friday at 5p" was posted on Twitter on April 10, 2009. "Dear Liver: I'm Sorry. :(…
A goat cheese riddle is: Q: What's the greatest cheese of all time?A: GOAT cheese. "GOAT" is slang meaning "Greatest Of All Time." The joke was posted on Twitter on…
Many people apologize to their liver before drinking. "Dear Liver, I'm sorry but it is Friday at 5p" was posted on Twitter on April 10, 2009. "Dear Liver: I'm Sorry. :(…
When asked what one does, "stuff" is a non-specific answer, but suppose one really does "stuff" for a living? "'Oh, you know, 'stuff'' ~ a taxidermist,…
IKEA stores are very large. "I'm convinced the employees of ikea are customers who ha no clue how to get out and just gave the fuck up" was posted on Twitter by Chris Young on…
A burger riddle is: Q: When do burgers quit their jobs?A: The day they decide to meat loaf. The joke was printed in the book 101 Hamburger Jokes (1978) by Phil Hirsch. Google Books101 Hamburger…
Some people dread Monday (the traditional start of the work week) so much that they're afraid to go to sleep on Sunday night. "Warning: Going to sleep on Sunday will cause Monday" is…