📌 Paraprosdokian
Definition:
A paraprosdokian is a figure of speech in which the latter part of a sentence or phrase is surprising or unexpected, often causing the reader or listener to reinterpret the first part. It’s commonly used for humor, irony, or dramatic effect.
✅ Example:
“I’ve had a perfectly wonderful evening, but this wasn’t it.”
— Groucho Marx
Another example:
“The last thing I want to do is hurt you. But it’s still on the list.”
The surprise or twist at the end forces the audience to reevaluate the meaning of the beginning—this is what makes paraprosdokians clever and memorable.
And there you go! So go ahead and use paraprosdokian in your CXC prep/ CSEC prep.
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