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> You can’t really remove a word without losing the meaning of the text. Hmmm... Once you see his jokes in text form this seems a little hyperbolic. Removing w

• tomcam 4y ago
  Interesting. I believe the link proves my thesis.
  • cookie_monsta 4y ago
    I would encourage you to experiment a little. You can remove entire sentences while keeping the meaning, like this (the first joke on that page): Original: According to most studies, people’s number one fear is public speaking. Number two is death. Death is number two. Does that sound right? This means to the average person, if you go to a funeral, you’re better off in the casket than doing the eulogy. Could be: According to most studies, people’s number one fear is public speaking. Number two is death. This means to the average person, if you go to a funeral, you’re better off in the casket than doing the eulogy. I just removed 20% of the words and the meaning is intact. The rhythm and emphasis for spoken delivery maybe not, but one of the things that bored me about Seinfeld eventually was the way he spoon fed everything to you, like he didn't quite trust you to be smart enough to get it the first time around. Compare that to Steven Wright's work - there really isn't a word out of place there. You either get it or you miss it, he just keeps moving
    • tomcam 4y ago
      I love your experiment, I concede instantly, and provisionally agree about Steven Wright[1]. Thank you for calling me out. [1] Provisionally b/c maybe someone will bust in like you did and disprove you… I’m gunshy now