META: The Problem of Humour

[Tom Russell]

On Feb 25, 12:20 am, Martin Phipps <martinphip... at yahoo.com> wrote:

> A pun is the lowest and yet potentially most effective form of humour:

But, as Boswell reminds us, it is the highest form of wit.

Which U. S. President has the dottiest reputation?  Ellipses S. Grant.

What did the fork say when it was finally washed?  It's about tine.

Charlotte Bronte was a terrible speller.  She wrote Jane Err.

... and speaking of Boswell, I am reminded of this definition in Dr.
Johnson's dictionary:

OATS (n) a grain which in England is generally given to horses, but in
Scotland supports the people.

To which Boswell responded, "That is why Scotland is known for its
people and the English for their horses".

==Tom