Tuesday, 19 March 2024

Tom Swifties

As Wikipedia explains it, “A Tom Swifty (or Tom Swiftie) is a phrase in which a quoted sentence is linked by a pun to the manner in which it is attributed.” It was named after the Tom Swift book series which began in 1910.

A few examples may be the best way to explain the format:

  • “It’s freezing”, Tom muttered icily.
  • “I might as well be dead,” Tom croaked.
  • “I don’t have any more flowers,” Tom said lackadaisically.
  • “Pass me the shellfish,” said Tom crabbily.

“Let’s see some more Tom Swifties!” Piggy promptly exclaimed.


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