This was a fantastic back-handed compliment that uses both exaggeration and incongruity to get the laugh. Initially it’s hopeful. If delivered by an attractive and “ditsy blonde” character–it might actually be intended as a compliment. The dim-witted recipient might also believe it was a compliment. For the reader (of higher intelligence) we see the unintended, though creative, slam. Beyond the exaggeration (enough brut to kill small birds) and incongruity (shaped like an anvil), there’s a third laugh waiting. When the “attractive man” realizes it’s not a compliment, we’re treated to his recognition. I imagine one eyebrow lifting or both drawing downward and together while he thinks “Waaaaiiit a minute.”
This is a smartly written and funny sentence. Loved it!
I’ve been looking for some funny books of late–the kind that make you laugh out loud. They’re hard to come by. It takes more time to set-up the joke in literature than it does with quick visuals or physical humor seen in film and television. Many of us remember Dave Barry’s humor from the 90s and 2000s, so I thought I’d read a couple of his novels . . . and there were definitely some laughs! You can learn more about Barry and his writing in GoodReads. And if you know of any books that made you laugh out loud, let me know!
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