One-line joke

A one-liner is a joke that is delivered in a single line. Many comedians have adopted this comedic method in their act. Some, including Rodney Dangerfield, Steven Wright, Emo Philips, Henny Youngman, Mitch Hedberg, Dan Mintz, Zach Galifianakis, Demetri Martin, Jimmy Carr and Milton Jones have used one-liners to make up a significant portion of their repertoire.

Examples

• "I have nothing to declare except my genius." (Oscar Wilde, upon arriving at US customs 1882)
• "Race is just a pigment of the imagination" (Glen Highland)
• "If all those sweet young things were laid end to end – I wouldn't be a bit surprised." (Dorothy Parker, on girls attending a Yale prom)
• "I never forget a face, but in your case I'll be glad to make an exception." (Groucho Marx)
• "Take my wife – please!" (Henny Youngman)
• "The worst time to have a heart attack is during a game of charades" (Demetri Martin)
• "If it wasn't for pickpockets, I'd have no sex life at all." (Rodney Dangerfield)
• "Overall, I'd say my career as a photographer has been a bit of a blur." (Milton Jones)
• "Winston, if we were married, I would put poison in your coffee!" (Nancy Astor) The answer from Winston Churchill: "Nancy, if you were my wife, I'd drink it."
• "Ah, nostalgia ain't what it used to be..." (English Proverb, used to mock another's reactionary opinion.)

See also

• Greguería
• Demetri Martin