Aziz Ansari
A mechanism-level breakdown of 96 analyzed bits from Aziz Ansari (2010–2013), spanning 2 specials. Every excerpt is tagged with its primary humor mechanism using the Comedy Stack framework.
- Analyzed bits
- 96
- Specials
- 2
- Active range
- 2010–2013
- Go-to mechanism
- incongruity-resolution
How Aziz gets laughs
Distribution across the primary humor mechanisms in the analyzed set.
96 attributed excerpts
Short quoted bits used here as editorial examples of Aziz Ansari’s mechanism-level craft. Each excerpt links to its full-transcript source.
“Let’s eliminate any women who that are already in relationships. You can do crazy things like that. You can’t do that in the real world.”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward 'Let’s eliminate any women who that are already in relationships. You can do crazy things like that.', then the trigger 'You can’t do that in the real world.' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is incongruity-resolution.
“No one’s surprised. All dicks look the same. They’re just dumb and boring looking. No one’s ever got a dick photo and they’re like, “Wow!”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward 'No one’s surprised. All dicks look the same. They’re just dumb and boring looking.', then the trigger 'No one’s ever got a dick photo and they’re like, “Wow!' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is incongruity-resolution.
“How long did you talk to her for?” He’s like, “Hm…30 minutes.” Thirty minutes? “Like an episode of How I Met Your Mother 30 minutes?”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward 'How long did you talk to her for?” He’s like, “Hm…30 minutes.” Thirty minutes?', then the trigger '“Like an episode of How I Met Your Mother 30 minutes?' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is incongruity-resolution.
“The last question I want to ask you. The photo you got, was the gentleman erect in the photo? Yeah, I guess so, right?”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward 'The last question I want to ask you. The photo you got, was the gentleman erect in the photo?', then the trigger 'Yeah, I guess so, right?' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is incongruity-resolution.
“I mean, it’s not a big deal. All right, Miss, you sitting here right next to her… A guy sent you a dick photo, right?”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward 'I mean, it’s not a big deal.', then the trigger 'All right, Miss, you sitting here right next to her… A guy sent you a dick photo, right?' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is incongruity-resolution.
“That’s how sexual it is. And I’m just sitting there looking at this and it’s like, How did this become an ad for a gym?”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward 'That’s how sexual it is.', then the trigger 'And I’m just sitting there looking at this and it’s like, How did this become an ad for a gym?' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is benign-violation.
“I don’t think he’s dating or anything like that. He’ll probably have an arranged marriage. A lot of people in India still have arranged marriages.”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward 'I don’t think he’s dating or anything like that. He’ll probably have an arranged marriage.', then the trigger 'A lot of people in India still have arranged marriages.' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is incongruity-resolution.
“Three people are living in a ’89 Honda Civic Coupe. There’s more people than doors. “But the lights aren’t right.” Their kid isn’t right.”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward 'Three people are living in a ’89 Honda Civic Coupe. There’s more people than doors.', then the trigger '“But the lights aren’t right.” Their kid isn’t right.' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is incongruity-resolution.
“Okay, okay, we’re at lunch, five star restaurant… and what period of the meal do you decide to ask? ‘Cause that’s very difficult, you know?”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward 'Okay, okay, we’re at lunch, five star restaurant… and what period of the meal do you decide to ask?', then the trigger '‘Cause that’s very difficult, you know?' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is incongruity-resolution.
“I’ve accepted it, all right? “I made a mistake, okay? “I gave up my best years raising this monster! “I could’ve started a band!”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward 'I’ve accepted it, all right? “I made a mistake, okay? “I gave up my best years raising this monster!', then the trigger '“I could’ve started a band!' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is incongruity-resolution.
“I like ghosts though. Whenever you hear about ghosts it’s always the same kind of stories. You know… “Ghost was wearing old timey clothes.”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward 'I like ghosts though. Whenever you hear about ghosts it’s always the same kind of stories.', then the trigger 'You know… “Ghost was wearing old timey clothes.' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is incongruity-resolution.
“I’m never gonna eat Chick-fil-A. I don’t eat it anymore. That is the saddest thing you could ever applaud. “You are so brave, Aziz!”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward 'I’m never gonna eat Chick-fil-A. I don’t eat it anymore. That is the saddest thing you could ever applaud.', then the trigger '“You are so brave, Aziz!' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is incongruity-resolution.
“What’re you up to?” And then I sent her the dick photo and underneath I wrote, “Boom!” An hour goes by… No response.”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward 'What’re you up to?” And then I sent her the dick photo and underneath I wrote,', then the trigger '“Boom!” An hour goes by… No response.' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is incongruity-resolution.
“If they just did horrible stuff to that girl for a week. She’s 16 and horrible. “So we cut the brakes in her car.”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward 'If they just did horrible stuff to that girl for a week. She’s 16 and horrible.', then the trigger '“So we cut the brakes in her car.' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is incongruity-resolution.
“But until I see that footage, that’s my favorite racial stereotype ever. That’s the best one. Nothing comes close. Oh, what do you got?”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward 'But until I see that footage, that’s my favorite racial stereotype ever. That’s the best one. Nothing comes close.', then the trigger 'Oh, what do you got?' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is incongruity-resolution.
“That was a fun trip. Uh, I spent a lot of time with a cousin of mine that lives there. He’s around my age.”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward 'That was a fun trip. Uh, I spent a lot of time with a cousin of mine that lives there.', then the trigger 'He’s around my age.' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is incongruity-resolution.
““The weather should not be affecting “your vision that way, Seal. We need to run some tests. “Sheila, get a bunch of snow here.”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward '“The weather should not be affecting “your vision that way, Seal. We need to run some tests.', then the trigger '“Sheila, get a bunch of snow here.' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is incongruity-resolution.
“These people died hundreds of years ago. They’ve never seen running water before. They’re blown away. They’re just sittin’ there… Where is the well?”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward 'These people died hundreds of years ago. They’ve never seen running water before. They’re blown away.', then the trigger 'They’re just sittin’ there… Where is the well?' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is incongruity-resolution.
“Let’s see if Seal’s eyes start getting wide.” You’re at a dinner party with Seal. “Seal, how’s the chicken?” […] So…So the event went well.”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward 'Let’s see if Seal’s eyes start getting wide.” You’re at a dinner party with Seal.', then the trigger '“Seal, how’s the chicken?” […] So…So the event went well.' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is incongruity-resolution.
“I still can’t believe it’s an issue. It just baffles my mind. That whole Chick-fil-A situation… Whew! That was quite a conundrum for me.”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward 'I still can’t believe it’s an issue. It just baffles my mind. That whole Chick-fil-A situation… Whew!', then the trigger 'That was quite a conundrum for me.' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is incongruity-resolution.
“Like, I don’t know how it never happened. Not even once. Not even once. Keep in mind I was the cutest kid of all time.”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward 'Like, I don’t know how it never happened. Not even once. Not even once.', then the trigger 'Keep in mind I was the cutest kid of all time.' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is incongruity-resolution.
“Today is what, Wednesday? Anybody got any big plans for the weekend? Anybody going to the club over the weekend? Clubs are crazy places, man.”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward 'Today is what, Wednesday? Anybody got any big plans for the weekend? Anybody going to the club over the weekend?', then the trigger 'Clubs are crazy places, man.' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is incongruity-resolution.
“You were pushin’ on me. You were pushin’ on me. I had a drink in my hand, could’ve spilt it all over my shirt.”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward 'You were pushin’ on me. You were pushin’ on me.', then the trigger 'I had a drink in my hand, could’ve spilt it all over my shirt.' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is incongruity-resolution.
“That’s how much I hate you.” So I saw that and I thought, All right, yep. This is a problem. Wow, that was terrifying!”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward 'That’s how much I hate you.” So I saw that and I thought, All right, yep. This is a problem.', then the trigger 'Wow, that was terrifying!' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is incongruity-resolution.
“It’s so beautiful! I’ve never seen one like this! “Everyone, come in here look at this glorious penis I just got sent! It sparkles!” No.”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward 'It’s so beautiful! I’ve never seen one like this! “Everyone, come in here look at this glorious penis I just got sent!', then the trigger 'It sparkles!” No.' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is incongruity-resolution.
“Thank you, the married couple! Dick photo people! Thank you very much!”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward 'Thank you, the married couple! Dick photo people!', then the trigger 'Thank you very much!' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is incongruity-resolution.
“Online you see those same faces, they’re on a web page. The difference is online dating is like going to a bar and having superpowers.”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward 'Online you see those same faces, they’re on a web page.', then the trigger 'The difference is online dating is like going to a bar and having superpowers.' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is incongruity-resolution.
“You need to watch where you’re going. If you were watching where you were going we don’t have a problem. You were pushin’ on me.”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward 'You need to watch where you’re going. If you were watching where you were going we don’t have a problem.', then the trigger 'You were pushin’ on me.' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is incongruity-resolution.
“I wish I did. I wish the places that made food that I found so delicious, also took political stands I can get behind.”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward 'I wish I did.', then the trigger 'I wish the places that made food that I found so delicious, also took political stands I can get behind.' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is incongruity-resolution.
“They’re like, “All right, well, we need a new Winter campaign. “We need some ideas. Bruce, what do you got?” Here’s what I’m thinking.”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward 'They’re like, “All right, well, we need a new Winter campaign. “We need some ideas.', then the trigger 'Bruce, what do you got?” Here’s what I’m thinking.' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is incongruity-resolution.
“I think I bid and won a charity auction to be an extra in the next Tyler Perry movie. Yep, this is 100 percent true.”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward 'I think I bid and won a charity auction to be an extra in the next Tyler Perry movie.', then the trigger 'Yep, this is 100 percent true.' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is incongruity-resolution.
“Any time I have sex with a white girl, I think about those people for a few pumps and it’s such a great feeling.”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward 'Any time I have sex with a white girl, I think about those people for a', then the trigger 'few pumps and it’s such a great feeling.' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is benign-violation.
“Guys, thank you so much. You guys were amazing! Thank you very much for coming out! I really appreciate it! Thank you so much!”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward 'Guys, thank you so much. You guys were amazing! Thank you very much for coming out! I really appreciate it!', then the trigger 'Thank you so much!' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is incongruity-resolution.
“Okay, so we’re in Philadelphia. Where are we at in Philadelphia? At a five star restaurant– Don’t worry, not a three star– a five star.”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward 'Okay, so we’re in Philadelphia. Where are we at in Philadelphia?', then the trigger 'At a five star restaurant– Don’t worry, not a three star– a five star.' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is incongruity-resolution.
“You’re a person? You’re so dumb, “How are you– How do you pay rent? “How do you have a job? How are you paying taxes?”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward 'You’re a person? You’re so dumb, “How are you– How do you pay rent? “How do you have a job?', then the trigger 'How are you paying taxes?' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is incongruity-resolution.
“You’re like, “All right, things are gonna get better. “Yeah, things are gonna get better. Good job TV show.”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward 'You’re like, “All right, things are gonna get better. “Yeah, things are gonna get better.', then the trigger 'Good job TV show.' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is incongruity-resolution.
“You were down on one knee and you’re just waiting. And what’s going on through your head? “The breadsticks were coming out.” Hold up!”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward 'You were down on one knee and you’re just waiting. And what’s going on through your head?', then the trigger '“The breadsticks were coming out.” Hold up!' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is incongruity-resolution.
“This is brutal. And they don’t do anything nice for the kids at the end of the show. There’s no money. There’s no new house.”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward 'This is brutal. And they don’t do anything nice for the kids at the end of the show. There’s no money.', then the trigger 'There’s no new house.' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is incongruity-resolution.
“So it’s not that hard. No, no, I don’t eat the nuggets. I don’t eat the nuggets. But that was a strange situation, right?”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward 'So it’s not that hard. No, no, I don’t eat the nuggets. I don’t eat the nuggets.', then the trigger 'But that was a strange situation, right?' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is incongruity-resolution.
“Did you lose a bet or something? Look, of course, I could be totally wrong. You guys could be soul mates. I don’t know.”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward 'Did you lose a bet or something? Look, of course, I could be totally wrong. You guys could be soul mates.', then the trigger 'I don’t know.' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is incongruity-resolution.
“Why did he go to Bed Bath & Beyond that afternoon? Well, his roommate had clogged the toilet and he needed to get some Drano.”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward 'Why did he go to Bed Bath & Beyond that afternoon?', then the trigger 'Well, his roommate had clogged the toilet and he needed to get some Drano.' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is incongruity-resolution.
“You can’t send a dick photo and be like, “Uh… You wanna go to a five star restaurant later maybe?” That’s a tough predicament.”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward 'You can’t send a dick photo and be like, “Uh… You wanna go to a five', then the trigger 'star restaurant later maybe?” That’s a tough predicament.' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is incongruity-resolution.
“You just imagine a different vibe. You know, imagine men wearing nice suits, women are dressed all nice, everyone’s speaking properly– just a classier vibe.”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward 'You just imagine a different vibe.', then the trigger 'You know, imagine men wearing nice suits, women are dressed all nice, everyone’s speaking properly– just a classier v...' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is incongruity-resolution.
“We know how this story goes. Now I’ve talked to people all over the country about their proposal stories, and you know what I learned?”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward 'We know how this story goes.', then the trigger 'Now I’ve talked to people all over the country about their proposal stories, and you know what I learned?' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is incongruity-resolution.
“Think about it. What kind of song is playing any time you walk into a club now?”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward 'Think about it.', then the trigger 'What kind of song is playing any time you walk into a club now?' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is incongruity-resolution.
“This does not– How? This would not fly in India. They’d be like this, “This has nothing to do with gyms.” Please take this down.”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward 'This does not– How? This would not fly in India.', then the trigger 'They’d be like this, “This has nothing to do with gyms.” Please take this down.' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is incongruity-resolution.
“This is… This is a bit ludicrous. So how’d it become an ad? I’m not sure. At some point they must’ve had a meeting.”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward 'This is… This is a bit ludicrous. So how’d it become an ad? I’m not sure.', then the trigger 'At some point they must’ve had a meeting.' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is incongruity-resolution.
“Come on in! “Please don’t turn me into a bird! “Please don’t turn me into a bird! “Okay, I’m sorry. You guys are cool.”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward 'Come on in! “Please don’t turn me into a bird! “Please don’t turn me into a bird! “Okay, I’m sorry.', then the trigger 'You guys are cool.' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is incongruity-resolution.
“I always go, “Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha! “I’m so sorry that happened. “Why weren’t you guys not using condoms or birth control?”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward 'I always go, “Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha! “I’m so sorry that happened.', then the trigger '“Why weren’t you guys not using condoms or birth control?' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is incongruity-resolution.
““So, uh, he wanted to know maybe if I can sing one of his hit songs for him in order to kill some time.”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward '“So, uh, he wanted to know maybe if I can sing one of his hit songs', then the trigger 'for him in order to kill some time.' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is benign-violation.
“They have that show 16 and Pregnant. They’re should be a show called 25 and Pregnant. I’d be like, “Oh, no, those poor kids!”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward 'They have that show 16 and Pregnant. They’re should be a show called 25 and Pregnant.', then the trigger 'I’d be like, “Oh, no, those poor kids!' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is incongruity-resolution.
“Seal’s at the optometrist. The optometrist is like, “Seal, what’s wrong with your eyes?” He’s like, […] “Seal, what the hell are you talking about?”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward 'Seal’s at the optometrist.', then the trigger 'The optometrist is like, “Seal, what’s wrong with your eyes?” He’s like, […] “Seal, what the hell are you talking about?' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is benign-violation.
“I play bass! “But no, I didn’t do that. Instead I have this thing. “Ooh, something that looks like me and my wife put together.”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward 'I play bass! “But no, I didn’t do that. Instead I have this thing.', then the trigger '“Ooh, something that looks like me and my wife put together.' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is incongruity-resolution.
“So how about a little sympathy for me.” “Well, sir, have you thought about–” “No! There’s nothing to think about. “There’s nothing to do, okay?”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward 'So how about a little sympathy for me.” “Well, sir, have you thought about–” “No! There’s nothing to think about.', then the trigger '“There’s nothing to do, okay?' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is incongruity-resolution.
“Do they hate each other? It still makes sense. I read a little bit about arranged marriage. I read some research and stuff they’ve done.”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward 'Do they hate each other? It still makes sense. I read a little bit about arranged marriage.', then the trigger 'I read some research and stuff they’ve done.' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is incongruity-resolution.
“What happened to people?! You meet people so bad sometimes they’re not even Comic Sans. They’re straight-up wing dings. That’s how scary it is.”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward 'What happened to people?! You meet people so bad sometimes they’re not even Comic Sans. They’re straight-up wing dings.', then the trigger 'That’s how scary it is.' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is incongruity-resolution.
“I think it’s very hard to meet someone you really connect with, that you really feel a deep connection with. I think that’s hard.”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward 'I think it’s very hard to meet someone you really connect with, that you really feel a deep connection with.', then the trigger 'I think that’s hard.' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is incongruity-resolution.
“I had a good time. The next day they had another event. It was like a charity dinner, charity auction. So I went to that.”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward 'I had a good time. The next day they had another event. It was like a charity dinner, charity auction.', then the trigger 'So I went to that.' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is incongruity-resolution.
““Respect Thyself and Environment.” Sorry about that. I forgot for a minute. Again, you never see those guys saying anything nice, positive or intelligent.”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward '“Respect Thyself and Environment.” Sorry about that. I forgot for a minute.', then the trigger 'Again, you never see those guys saying anything nice, positive or intelligent.' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is incongruity-resolution.
“I…don’t, uh… No, it’s gonna be really good. I have one prepared which is convenient ’cause we’re filming and everything. Uh, so, let’s begin.”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward 'I…don’t, uh… No, it’s gonna be really good. I have one prepared which is convenient ’cause we’re filming and everything.', then the trigger 'Uh, so, let’s begin.' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is incongruity-resolution.
“I find it! I start doing my thing. It’s going great, but eventually I’m like, “damn! “I can’t hold my breath that much longer.”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward 'I find it! I start doing my thing. It’s going great, but eventually I’m like, “damn!', then the trigger '“I can’t hold my breath that much longer.' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is incongruity-resolution.
“Like, you know how you see billboards for shows like burn notice. You’re like, “who the heck watches burn notice?” Harris watches burn notice!”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward 'Like, you know how you see billboards for shows like burn notice.', then the trigger 'You’re like, “who the heck watches burn notice?” Harris watches burn notice!' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is incongruity-resolution.
“I was like, “do you have a moment for gay rights? “oh, didn’t think so. “so sit there with your little clipboard and judge me.”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward 'I was like, “do you have a moment for gay rights? “oh, didn’t think so.', then the trigger '“so sit there with your little clipboard and judge me.' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is incongruity-resolution.
“That’d be like blowing a guy for a half hour for sold-out concert tickets and then finding out they’re selling ’em at the door.”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward 'That’d be like blowing a guy for a half hour for sold-out concert tickets and then', then the trigger 'finding out they’re selling ’em at the door.' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is incongruity-resolution.
“I was seeing about buying an LCD TV. Is it a good time to buy an LCD TV? “here’s what you need to do, man.”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward 'I was seeing about buying an LCD TV. Is it a good time to buy an LCD TV?', then the trigger '“here’s what you need to do, man.' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is incongruity-resolution.
“If you’d approached me on the street like, “hey, Aziz.”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward 'If you’d approached me on the street', then the trigger 'like, “hey, Aziz.' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is incongruity-resolution.
“That’s always fun. I did this festival called Bonnaroo and it’s really cool, ’cause they have, like, indie-rock stuff and, like, hippie stuff coming together.”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward 'That’s always fun.', then the trigger 'I did this festival called Bonnaroo and it’s really cool, ’cause they have, like, indie-rock stuff and, like, hippie...' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is incongruity-resolution.
“I lived in South Carolina for 18 years. Never saw people like this. This one dude gets on the screen, he’s like, “aw, hell, man.”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward 'I lived in South Carolina for 18 years. Never saw people like this.', then the trigger 'This one dude gets on the screen, he’s like, “aw, hell, man.' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is benign-violation.
“That a good car to get?’ “‘I don’t know nothing about cars. “I’m just a possum.’ to answer your question, yeah.” Uh, hey, man.”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward 'That a good car to get?’ “‘I don’t know nothing about cars.', then the trigger '“I’m just a possum.’ to answer your question, yeah.” Uh, hey, man.' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is incongruity-resolution.
“He was like, “really, man? “you’re in a rush to get to Jamba Juice?”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward 'He was like, “really, man?', then the trigger '“you’re in a rush to get to Jamba Juice?' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is incongruity-resolution.
“He raps a lot about karate, right?” and I was like, “not exactly.” and… So I copied that conversation and emailed it to Kanye.”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward 'He raps a lot about karate, right?” and I was like, “not exactly.” and… So I', then the trigger 'copied that conversation and emailed it to Kanye.' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is incongruity-resolution.
“Maybe because I’m supposed to be in the ninth grade and I have a full beard. But I’m trying to act like I belong, right?”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward 'Maybe because I’m supposed to be in the ninth grade and I have a full beard.', then the trigger 'But I’m trying to act like I belong, right?' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is incongruity-resolution.
“I’m in a little bit of a rush.” and then that dude watched me walk into a Jamba Juice. And he was a little upset.”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward 'I’m in a little bit of a rush.” and then that dude watched me walk into a Jamba Juice.', then the trigger 'And he was a little upset.' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is incongruity-resolution.
“As soon as I started posting, I started getting all these, like, angry I.m.s from Harris.”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward 'As soon as I started posting, I started getting all these,', then the trigger 'like, angry I.m.s from Harris.' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is incongruity-resolution.
“‘Cause you’re a horrible person and I don’t want comedy bringing any kind of satisfaction into your miserable existence. First guy that comes out, right?”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward '‘Cause you’re a horrible person and I don’t want comedy bringing any kind of satisfaction into your miserable existence.', then the trigger 'First guy that comes out, right?' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is incongruity-resolution.
““I’m a lot lonelier than you think I am. Where is your house? I will come there now!” “Bonnaroo” I love performing at music festivals.”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward '“I’m a lot lonelier than you think I am. Where is your house?', then the trigger 'I will come there now!” “Bonnaroo” I love performing at music festivals.' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is incongruity-resolution.
“Do you want to know what I told ’em * “* I said L.A.”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward 'Do you want to know what I told ’em', then the trigger '* “* I said L.A.' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is incongruity-resolution.
“Fellas, you ever been in this situation? You got a girl back at your place and she’s down. You’re all excited.”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward 'Fellas, you ever been in this situation? You got a girl back at your place and she’s down.', then the trigger 'You’re all excited.' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is incongruity-resolution.
“I had to get a liter of jack Daniels, a two-liter bottle of coca-cola, a box of condoms, and a ten-pack of blank CDR discs.”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward 'I had to get a liter of jack Daniels, a two-liter bottle of coca-cola, a box of', then the trigger 'condoms, and a ten-pack of blank CDR discs.' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is incongruity-resolution.
“Raped by a dinosaur! ‘Cause that’s too offensive. Oh, I guess they didn’t want all these angry letters from paleontologists who are like, “hey, man!”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward 'Raped by a dinosaur! ‘Cause that’s too offensive.', then the trigger 'Oh, I guess they didn’t want all these angry letters from paleontologists who are like, “hey, man!' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is incongruity-resolution.
“Not do that.” but he kept bringing it up. He was like, “come on, man. “it’d be really cool if you did some jokes, man.”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward 'Not do that.” but he kept bringing it up. He was like, “come on, man.', then the trigger '“it’d be really cool if you did some jokes, man.' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is incongruity-resolution.
““I’m say something in Tamil, “this obscure, southeast Asian language that we both happen to speak.” here’s the thing. I don’t speak Tamil that well.”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward '“I’m say something in Tamil, “this obscure, southeast Asian language that we both happen to speak.” here’s the thing.', then the trigger 'I don’t speak Tamil that well.' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is incongruity-resolution.
“That’s so offensive. And at the same time, on my show, they didn’t want us to say that a character was raped by a dinosaur.”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward 'That’s so offensive.', then the trigger 'And at the same time, on my show, they didn’t want us to say that a character was raped by a dinosaur.' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is incongruity-resolution.
“He’s putting money on y’all fools! I hope you got bank accounts, ’cause he’s spreading out large amounts. They call him Randy! Straight randy, y’all!”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward 'He’s putting money on y’all fools! I hope you got bank accounts, ’cause he’s spreading out large amounts. They call h...', then the trigger 'Straight randy, y’all!' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is superiority.
““Craigslist AD” Clap if you use Craigslist. Hold on a second though. I’m not talking about like, “oh, hey, I’m looking for an apartment,” Craigslist.”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward '“Craigslist AD” Clap if you use Craigslist. Hold on a second though.', then the trigger 'I’m not talking about like, “oh, hey, I’m looking for an apartment,” Craigslist.' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is incongruity-resolution.
“He loves it! Harris told me his senior quote’s gonna be, “TNT knows drama.” you call up Harris, you hear things like, “hey, Harris.”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward 'He loves it!', then the trigger 'Harris told me his senior quote’s gonna be, “TNT knows drama.” you call up Harris, you hear things like, “hey, Harris.' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is incongruity-resolution.
“Like, how baller is that? Jay-z signed the tab, money went back into his own pocket. He was like, “you’re crazy for this one, jay.”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward 'Like, how baller is that? Jay-z signed the tab, money went back into his own pocket.', then the trigger 'He was like, “you’re crazy for this one, jay.' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is incongruity-resolution.
“And they had a little chart, and it said “brand, advertised thread count, actual thread count.” so it’s like, “brand, Wamsutta. “brand, soft sheets.”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward 'And they had a little chart, and it said “brand, advertised thread count, actual thread count.” so it’s like, “brand,...', then the trigger '“brand, soft sheets.' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is incongruity-resolution.
“If I got a girl back at my place, I’m like, “hey, let’s have sex in my kitchen.” she’d be like, “no, randy!”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward 'If I got a girl back at my place, I’m like, “hey, let’s have sex in', then the trigger 'my kitchen.” she’d be like, “no, randy!' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is benign-violation.
“Are white people just psyched all the time?” it’s like, “back to the future, that’s us! “Godfather, that’s us! Godfather Part Two, that’s us!”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward 'Are white people just psyched all the time?” it’s like, “back to the future, that’s us! “Godfather, that’s us!', then the trigger 'Godfather Part Two, that’s us!' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is incongruity-resolution.
““‘can I get an extra point back too, “because I put the same thing he did?’ “and he’ll be like, ‘I don’t teach Aziz.”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward '“‘can I get an extra point back too, “because I put the same thing he did?’', then the trigger '“and he’ll be like, ‘I don’t teach Aziz.' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is incongruity-resolution.
“And I love Harris ’cause he has really odd choices in entertainment. Like, his favorite TV shows are hour-long dramas on USA and TNT.”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward 'And I love Harris ’cause he has really odd choices in entertainment.', then the trigger 'Like, his favorite TV shows are hour-long dramas on USA and TNT.' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is incongruity-resolution.
“Edelstein is right.” bam! And then I waited, like, two minutes and then I wrote this. “guys, I just got an email from Mr.”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward 'Edelstein is right.” bam! And then I waited, like, two minutes and then I wrote this.', then the trigger '“guys, I just got an email from Mr.' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is incongruity-resolution.
““he read what I wrote here and gave me “an extra point on the quiz. “he said I showed initiative and critical thinking skills.”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward '“he read what I wrote here and gave me “an extra point on the quiz.', then the trigger '“he said I showed initiative and critical thinking skills.' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is benign-violation.
“Josh Duhamel doesn’t DVR Las Vegas. And you don’t get that joke, ’cause Josh Duhamel’s the star of Las Vegas, and nobody watches Las Vegas!”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward 'Josh Duhamel doesn’t DVR Las Vegas.', then the trigger 'And you don’t get that joke, ’cause Josh Duhamel’s the star of Las Vegas, and nobody watches Las Vegas!' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is incongruity-resolution.
“I see this brand called hotel luxury linens. That sounds fancy too, right? Got a girl back at your place, she’s like, “oh, my god.”
Why it works (Comedy Stack analysis)
The setup points the reader toward 'I see this brand called hotel luxury linens. That sounds fancy too, right?', then the trigger 'Got a girl back at your place, she’s like, “oh, my god.' forces a reinterpretation. The main mechanism is incongruity-resolution.
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