AND why is it funny?
2007-02-02 17:33:31 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Entertainment & Music ➔ Jokes & Riddles
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Why did the chicken cross the road?
"Why did the chicken cross the road?" is one of the most famous jokes in the English language. The original reply to the question is: "To get to the other side." It is a non-joke, since its humor value comes from the fact that it is expected to be funny. Additionally, it is rarely told on its own, but instead is referenced, modified, or parodied in a number of other jokes.
Origin
Despite the obvious meaning of the joke, various stories have been published claiming a specific origin for it in actual events.
One such story relates to the meaning of the word chicken as a cowardly person. As the story goes, the town of Shiprock, New Mexico had problems relating to poverty. Some of the poor children would get drunk and cross the road in order to show their bravery. Many times, this resulted in serious injury because of oncoming traffic, and sometimes even death. Knowing that the injured/dead person was a coward (chicken), people asked each other "Why did the chicken cross the road?" The original answer to this question was then "Because he was drunk." [1]
This story, although similar to the present-day joke, does have its validity problems. The original punch line had no resemblance to the present day punch line. Also, the word 'chicken' has multiple definitions, whereas 'coward' or other synonyms only have one. Given that, it seems much more likely that the word 'chicken' would stop being used after the event would occur. However, the original punch line was a direct answer to the question given, as is today's punch line. The difference is, today's punch line is in the form of a non-joke, but the original was not intended to be humorous. Although this is the best explanation we have for the origin, nobody truly knows.
An early reference to the joke in print is from Writing for Vaudeville by Brett Page (1915) which suggests by then it was already dated.[1]
Variations include having a turkey or duck cross the road "because the chicken was on vacation." Another variation is "Why didn't the skeleton cross the road?" to which the answer is "because he had no guts."
Despite being best known as a 'non-joke', there is a subtle level of actual humour in the joke. "The Other Side" is often used as a euphemism for death; it is implied that the chicken will die trying to cross the road.
References
^ (July 1992) “Atmagaurav ka achook paath (Sure shot lesson of self-esteem)”, Sarvottam (Hindi edition of Reader's Digest). India: Reader's Digest.
2007-02-02 17:42:09 · answer #1 · answered by CS 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When that question is asked you should answer like another person or as yourself. read my answers and you will know what i mean.
George Bush: Who cares lets bomb it
Martin Luther king: I have a dream of a world where all chikens will be able to cross roads without having their intentions put to question
LAPD: Give us 5 minutes with the chiken and we will tell you.
Robert Mugabe: I think it belongs to a white farmer, lets take it
FBI: Why are you so concerned about chikens crossing roads, come here. Whats in that bag?
Tony Blair: Give me a minute, let me call George (Bush)
R. Kelly: I dont care bout the chicken, where are the chiks
This question is used to bring out people personality, character or current deeds or nature eg in the case of LAPD once they have a suspect they are known to get info out of him quickly and in The case of Robert Mugabe he is that African leader who is taking white owned farms by force.
Its fun you can even write some about your friends or other celebrities. About where it came from i honestly dont know , i jus know its an old English joke
2007-02-02 23:39:41 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because you're expecting a really absurd reason, and the answer is really mundane. It's like asking "Why did the man walk into a bar?" and have the answer be "To order a drink". The Chicken thing just became the well-known swerve joke.
2007-02-02 17:38:54 · answer #3 · answered by Son of a Mitch 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Someone who wanted chicken for dinner but didn't want to cross the road to get it.
2016-05-23 22:22:48 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The original source for all chicken jokes is the absolute funniest egg you've ever laid eyes on.
2007-02-02 17:39:09 · answer #5 · answered by Tut Uncommon 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
dont know where it came from but the answer is "to get to the other side" and its so funny because its so stupid its funny...
2007-02-02 17:37:58 · answer #6 · answered by short fat white girl 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
to get to the other side..
the number of times its been asked over and over.. is what makes it funny.. i think
2007-02-02 17:39:39 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
He crossed it to prove to the armadillo that it could be done.
2007-02-02 17:59:05 · answer #8 · answered by Kaylin 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
to cross to the other side.
2007-02-02 17:50:09 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i dunno why did the chicken cross the road? to get to the other side
2007-02-02 17:35:14 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋