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F ³: Enjoying the Unexpected



It’s a classic cartoon set-up.

“I like your _________.”

“Thanks, it _________.”

Part of a four-panel comic by @lumpyquinn


What makes these so fun is an unexpected response. For example:


Comic by @jimshoenbill


We may somehow be willing to accept dogs standing upright, in suits, holding wine glasses. Still, the second dog’s comeback makes us giggle. Why? Could it be because it transgresses polite cocktail party conversation? Maybe.

What do you think?

I once heard a story about the very young child of college professors who occasionally made the rounds of department wine and cheese events with her parents. She observed the way that adults talked at these gatherings. Maybe they talked about things they liked, the weather, health, or issues of mutual concern. Drawing on her personal knowledge, she approached a small group of academics and asked, “Are you ever bothered by diaper rash?”

I can’t tell you how many times I have wished I could use that opener at an awkward cocktail party or political meet and greet.

Here’s another take:


Image from CartoonStock. Art by Trevor White.


Not a knee slapper, but still - - it plays with that thing in your brain by being just unexpected enough.

What other responses might be equally unexpected?

“Thanks. It’s not mine. I stole it from somebody else.”

“Thanks. I won it in a raffle.”

Can you think of any?

So much of humor depends on the unexpected. It’s how the unexpected is woven in that makes the difference between a cartoon that is funny and one that’s creepy, or sad, or just puzzling. Oddly, when the cartoon misses the mark we feel let down. I invested my ten seconds of attention on this?

On the other hand, children’s jokes are often incomprehensible but we accept that as a part of what makes them funny.

“I like your lunch box.”

“Thanks, it smells like banana.” (Thrusts it at your face, laughs.)

(I won’t segue into an essay on bananas and unexpected citrus fruits. You’re welcome.)

I’ve saved my current favorite in this genre for last this morning.


Art by canna.pothecary


What a perfectly charming way to own one’s idiosyncrasies. I’d use it but I think being an adorable frog is what guarantees its success. I may have moments of being charming and/or funny but I don’t think I can pull off the frog component. But, maybe…

“I like your personality.”

“Thanks. I think I’m a frog.”

Do you have any current favorite cartoons you’d like to share? I feel as though today would be a great time to enjoy some purely silly moments together.


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  1. Julia A. McCreadyMarch 27, 2026 at 4:23 AM

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