Skip to content
quotesby

About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker jokes about a locksmith trade that has no real punchline.
In plain terms
He starts a joke and admits it has no ending.
What can you take from it?
Sometimes the lack of a conclusion is the joke.

Where it applies

  • stand-up comedy
  • storytelling

Putting it to work

  • embrace unfinished ideas
  • subvert expectations

Questions to consider

  • Is an ending always necessary?

Another view

The joke may frustrate listeners expecting closure.

More from Mitch Hedberg

  1. So I wish I could play little league now, I'd kick some fuckin' ass.

    Permalink to quote #65
  2. I drank some boiling water 'cuz I wanted to whistle

    Permalink to quote #67
  3. I like vending machines 'cuz snacks are better when they fall. If I buy a candy bar at a store, oftentimes, I will drop it so that it achieves it's maximum fla…

    Permalink to quote #64

Related quotes

  1. Comedy itself is based upon very old principles of which I can readily name seven. They are, in short: the joke, exaggeration, ridicule, ignorance, surprise, t…

    Jack BennyJack Benny quote #15
  2. '(to a diamond dealer) I got some stones I wanna get rid of. I whacked a fucker out last night and I need to get rid of these stones.'(from 'Diamond Dealer')

    Jerky BoysJerky Boys quote #17
  3. Synopsis of Previous Chapters: There are no Previous Chapters.

    Stephen LeacockStephen Leacock quote #31