Meaning: Erma Bombeck, a well-known humorist and columnist, is the author of the quote, "I haven't trusted polls since I read that 62% of women had affairs during their lunch hour. I've never met a woman in my life who would give up lunch for sex." This quote is a humorous and satirical take on the idea of trusting statistics and polls, as well as the stereotypes and assumptions about women's behavior.

Erma Bombeck was known for her wit and ability to find humor in everyday life, and this quote is a great example of her style. In this quote, Bombeck is expressing her skepticism about the accuracy of polls, particularly when it comes to making generalizations about human behavior. By referencing a statistic that seems highly improbable to her, she is highlighting the absurdity of blindly trusting such data.

The quote also challenges the stereotype of women as being willing to prioritize romantic or sexual relationships over more practical and essential activities, such as eating lunch. Bombeck's humorous observation that she has never met a woman who would give up lunch for sex serves to highlight the ridiculousness of the statistic she references. It also serves as a commentary on the tendency of some polls and surveys to perpetuate stereotypes and misconceptions about gender and behavior.

Erma Bombeck's work often touched on the experiences of women, family life, and the absurdities of modern living. Through her humor and insight, she was able to shed light on issues that were relatable to many people. In this quote, she is using humor to challenge the credibility of polls and to highlight the danger of taking statistics at face value without considering their context and potential biases.

While the quote is undeniably humorous, it also raises important points about the need to critically evaluate the information we encounter, especially in an age where data and statistics are so prevalent in shaping public opinion and discourse. It serves as a reminder that statistics and polls should not be accepted blindly, and that it is important to consider the source, methodology, and potential biases behind such data.

Overall, Erma Bombeck's quote is a witty and insightful commentary on the nature of polls and statistics, as well as the stereotypes and assumptions that can be perpetuated through them. With her characteristic humor and keen observational skills, she challenges the reader to question the information they encounter and to consider the broader implications of relying on statistics without critical examination. Her ability to find humor in the everyday, while also making astute social commentary, is a testament to her enduring influence as a writer and humorist.