March 8, 2021
How often do you overhear an awesome one-liner or witty comeback, and tell yourself you need to write that down to use for one of your characters?
There was a time, pre-pandemic, when I used to listen in on other people’s conversations when we ate out. But that was in a different time and in a different world. Even than, it was rare to overhear a line worth remembering. Average people discuss average things. Bills, work, other people. I clearly eavesdrop on the wrong people.
It’s been over a year now since we’ve eaten at a restaurant. We’ve saved a lot on food in that year! Sure, we’ve done takeout, but I’m never in a position to listen in to someone else’s conversation.
But fear not, I have several sources for one-liners and cunning lines. Several of the people I’m friends with on Facebook take joy in posting jokes and witticisms. They are a ray of cheerfulness amid the weariness of political posts. And there are websites galore where you can look for today’s equivalent of coffeeshop chatter.
As much as I enjoy them, I rarely use one in my writing. They just don’t ‘fit.’ Or maybe it’s because I don’t want to copy someone else’s effort. It feels like stealing. It’s different than catching a good line when in public. Here’s one I saw today. Sure, it’s an ad, but that’s the kind of humor I appreciate.
And no, I can’t work that into one of my stories!
Do you want another one?
I caught my son chewing on electrical cords, so I had to ground him. He’s doing better currently, and now is conducting himself properly.
Okay, I’ll stop now. It’s too easy to get carried away. And neither of those are true one-liners, so please forgive me. But I wonder if the other authors have had the opportunity to ‘borrow’ a line from real life? Let’s clinck in the links below and find out.
And if you want to drop a one-liner in the comments, please do. Let’s make the world a less-serious place.
Until next time, please stay safe!
March 8, 2021
How often do you overhear an awesome one-liner or witty comeback, and tell yourself you need to write that down to use for one of your characters?
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I’ve often used a remark that I’ve overheard. When you work in a hospital like I do, you often hear very strange conversations!
When I was a tech in the hospital, I’d be in and out of rooms and work hard to NOT overhear what the patient and family were talking about, and concentrate on my job.
It’s different when you actually have to sit with the doctors. Some of them are quite acerbic. My opinion of them changed after I started work in a hospital. I’d have been in deep do-dos if I’d typed some of their off-the-cuff comments.
oh, DOCTORS. Yes, that’s an entirely different story. The good ones are wonderful. I leave the rest of that statement to your imagination.
There are many puns and groaners out there. I think now they are called “Dad Jokes”, which are funny to young kids and embarrassing when they become teenagers. Once you are an adult, you can just roll your eyes at him.
Dad jokes, puns, one-liners. I am old enough now that I’m past the rolling my eyes part and enjoy them again.
Third grade baseball coach – I don’t think you ‘ladies’ could hit a cow’s ass with a bass fiddle.
Remembered it. Used it.
That’s so politically incorrect it’s almost forgivable. And said to third graders? Wow. (But I have to wonder if any of the kids knew what a bass fiddle is.)
Well, back then in public school we got a liberal arts foundation and went to the symphony on school day twice a year and even had to sing traditional ‘Mericana songs once or twice a week. Along with “new math” and social studies and musical instruments in the spelling lessons, so we probably knew. Why it was soooo important to learn to stay in the box and swing because you didn’t want to be a bass fiddle “lady”.
My daughters are the lucky recipients of many a “Dad” joke. Those two weren’t THAT bad. But then, it was the same with my father, I remember his so well that I’m still using some of them. They do say that the old ones are the best!!!
There are some great “dad” jokes out there that are worth preserving for future generations!