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Another word you don't hear too often is dingleberries. You know, you never hear it on Meet the Press. I think it's because dingleberries is one of those words you don't say too much past your tenth birthday. It's not a grown-up's word; it's a kid's word. Dingleberries! It always sounded kind of Christmas-y to me. Don't you think it has a holiday ring to it? Dingleberries. John, you might want to hang some dingleberries over the front door. Then when Marianne comes over, she can kiss you under the dingleberries! 'It is to be devoutly wished : that she would kiss me : under the dingleberries.'

George Carlin#55

HumorLanguage

About this quote

What does it mean?
Carlin plays with the word dingleberries, noting its childish sound and pretending it fits a holiday tradition.
In plain terms
He jokes about a silly word sounding like it belongs on a holiday list.
What can you take from it?
Language can be used for absurdity and comedy.

Where it applies

  • comedy
  • casual talk
  • social gatherings

Putting it to work

  • use comedy in speech
  • explore word origins
  • lighten conversation

Questions to consider

  • Why do we find silly words funny?
  • How does language shape mood?

Another view

The humor relies on niche slang that may not appeal to everyone.

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