English Riddles

liverbj

Hi buddies, I just borrowed a book named American English Riddles from a library neer my apartment. The book is interesting, I found it useful for you who want to improve your English sense of humor. Here are some sentences from the foreword of the book:

In learning a language, people reach a point where they are comfortable enought to start using word games, puns, double enterdres, and even idioms in joking. Such word games are often used in short puzzles called riddles. Riddles are a luxury in any languages, as they are used solely to entertain and engage one's listeners. For this reason, they fall outside the flow of normal conversation. Instead, they stand as independent, humorous bits of banter. One interesting feature of riddles is that they appeal to all age groups, from the wise-and-experienced to the very young.

I would like to share them with you. I give a riddle everyday(maybe every week...), and give the answer as well as the explanation a day later(or a week later, depends on your response). If you are interested in, follow me.

[此贴子已经被作者于2005-11-28 5:21:32编辑过]

liverbj

1 What is a doughnut?

liverbj

Maybe the riddle is a little bit difficult, maybe I should give the answer and explanation for the first one, and if you really enjoy it, we can try for next one.

The answer is: Someone who is crazy about money.

A doughnut is a fried cake shaped like a ring. In slang, dough also means "money," and nut can mean "a crazy or eccentric person." if you are nut for something, it means that you are extremely enthusiastic about it.

Example:

A: Richard, you're looking well. How about getting some coffee with me?

B: Coffee and doughnuts sounds great! So, what have you been up to lately? I haven't seen you for a while.

A: Actually, I've been working around the clock in my new business.

B: Oh, you're after the big bucks, huh? I never thought you'd be so dedicated to money! You're becoming a real "dough nut"!

A: Yeah, and a health nut, too. I don't eat doughnuts anymore -- they have too much fat!

moshin

没有中文？看的很明白..[em06]

whoknows

It's a bit difficult but funny

I didn't have any idea until I looked up the dictionary: in slang, "dough" refers to "money"

hehe, pls go ahead...

liverbj

以下是引用whoknows在2005-11-28 20:52:02的发言：

It's a bit difficult but funny

I didn't have any idea until I looked up the dictionary: in slang, "dough" refers to "money"

hehe, pls go ahead...

hehe, thanks,

I do not feel alone now.

[em01]

香孜

lonely? this is a good song

liverbj

2. What kind of pool can't you swim in?

JOHNSU

LIVERPOOL.[em01]

liverbj

以下是引用JOHNSU在2005-11-30 13:15:58的发言：
LIVERPOOL.[em01]

wahaha~~~

quite smart!

but not the exact answer.

[em01]