Meaning:
The quote "My girlfriend has crabs, I bought her fishnet stockings" by Jay London, a comedian known for his dry humor and deadpan delivery, is a classic example of a double entendre. On the surface, the statement appears to be a straightforward and somewhat absurd comment about a man buying his girlfriend a pair of fishnet stockings. However, the underlying humor lies in the clever wordplay and the suggestive nature of the phrase.
In this context, "crabs" is a colloquial term for pubic lice, a common sexually transmitted infection. By juxtaposing the idea of crabs with the seemingly innocent act of purchasing fishnet stockings, the comedian creates a humorous and slightly risqué scenario. The juxtaposition of these two elements plays on the audience's expectations, leading to a surprising and comical twist in the punchline.
The humor in this quote is derived from the juxtaposition of two seemingly unrelated concepts – crabs and fishnet stockings – and the unexpected connection between them. By using wordplay and ambiguity, the comedian engages the audience's imagination and sense of humor, prompting them to interpret the statement in a humorous and suggestive light.
Furthermore, the quote also exemplifies the use of shock value in comedy. By addressing a taboo subject in a lighthearted and unexpected manner, the comedian elicits a reaction from the audience that combines surprise, amusement, and perhaps a hint of discomfort. This type of humor relies on pushing boundaries and challenging social norms, inviting the audience to confront the unexpected and find humor in the unconventional.
It's worth noting that this type of humor is not universally appreciated and can be divisive, as it may be seen as offensive or inappropriate by some individuals. However, in the context of stand-up comedy, where pushing boundaries and challenging societal norms are common practices, the quote reflects the comedian's intention to provoke a reaction and stimulate laughter through clever wordplay and unexpected twists.
Overall, the quote "My girlfriend has crabs, I bought her fishnet stockings" by Jay London exemplifies the use of double entendre, wordplay, and shock value in comedy. Through the clever juxtaposition of seemingly unrelated elements, the comedian creates a humorous scenario that challenges the audience's expectations and elicits a reaction that combines surprise, amusement, and a touch of discomfort. While this type of humor may not be to everyone's taste, it demonstrates the comedian's skill in crafting unexpected and thought-provoking punchlines.