Yesterday I decided it was time to teach the Little Mister how to tell a joke. Comedy for 3 year olds 101. I thought I’d start with an old staple. Something really simple. Sure, it’s not really all that funny now (probably was the first time the inventor of the joke told it but I’d say it’s gotten a little bit old over the decades).
It was:
Q. Why did the chicken cross the road?
A. To get to the other side.
Something to get the Little Mister started on his long road to stardom as a struggling stand up comedian (maybe I’ll regret that haha). He’d been talking about jokes and loves when he realises I’ve said something funny. He’ll look at me and the corners of his mouth will turn up and he’ll say, “You said a joke, Mummy?”
Then when I confirm that I have indeed tried to be a bit funny, he’ll laugh as if I’m the funniest person alive which is good for my ego. Sure, I had to confirm that it was a joke in the first place, but that’s a minor detail.
*ahem*
So I taught him the chicken joke. He was doing a great job of telling it. I hammed it up laughing when he told the punchline correctly. He looked so pleased with himself.
A few hours later, I decided to test his memory and asked him to “tell me a joke!”
The Little Mister replied with, “ROAD CHICKEN!!!!!”
He then laughed raucously.
Um, sure…
Another time it went like this…
Kez: Tell me a joke!
Little Mister: Why did the chicken cross the road?
Kez: Why did the chicken cross the road, Little Mister?
Little Mister: *shrugs and looks confused* I don’t know.
At bath time, Mr Unprepared tried his luck.
Mr Unprepared: Can you tell me the chicken joke?
Little Mister: OK. Why did the chicken cross our road?
Mr Unprepared: Hmm. Why did the chicken cross the road?
Little Mister: OUR road. OUR road. Why did the chicken cross OUR road?
Mr Unprepared: Oh. Sorry! Why did the chicken cross OUR road?
Little Mister: *sounding confused* This one’s tricky.
Points for improvisation? Kind of?
I am not so excited for the knock knock jokes that will inevitably come, but I am looking forward to telling (and teaching) my old favourites.
—
Q. What do you call a penguin in the desert?
A. Lost.
—
Q. What do you call cheese that isn’t yours?
A. Nacho cheese.
—
Q. What do you call a cow with no legs?
A. Ground beef.
—
You’re totally judging me right now, aren’t you? Look, I know they’re bad. But they’re simple and my brain remembers them and can tell them without wrecking the punchline (something I am awesome at). I’m just a dad in a mum’s body. I can’t help it. I was taught joke telling by the worst best. My dad. You have no idea how egg-cited I am for Easter. All the yokes I’ll be able to tell then! I’d tell you some now, but I wouldn’t want to whisk you stealing them. Yeah, I’m a riot. Available for parties and corporate functions.*
Anyway, over to you. What are your favourite dorky jokes? Make me laugh!
*not really available for parties and corporate functions.
