I've picked this joke because I think it’s funny and
because its vocabulary is not too complicated.
A few of you have complained about the fact that I
did not clearly translate the joke in English. This was what I intended to do,
because I think immersion is good in order to learn. But maybe, as many pointed
out, I’ve 'over-rated' your average level, and it just got you confused.
So, first thing, I want to announce that the next
video to be uploaded on my channel will be intended for people that don’t know
any word of French at all. So I’m sure you won’t be lost this time !
The second thing, is that I am –finally- going to
post the English translation of that mysterious joke ! Here it is :
-
How do you call a dog who doesn’t
have paws ?
-
You don’t call it, you go pick it
up !
For those you STILL haven’t understood the joke, let
me break it down to you !! The question is “how do you CALL a dog with no
paws”, so you’re looking for a word that designates a dog in this situation.
But the answer is “you don’t call it, you pick it
up”, so you can realize it was a pun over the word “call”, as the answer gives
a new light to the question, which is now understood as “how do you call a dog with no paws in order for it to come to you?”.
Argh, I’m not good at explaining jokes, but
hopefully it’s all clearer for you now.
Anyway, if you still haven’t understood, there’s not
much I can do for you now. Just watch the video again and again until it hits
you ! Or you can also read its transcription below !
Comment appelle t'on un chien qui n'a pas de
pattes ?
On l'appelle pas, on va le
chercher !
Avez-vous compris la blague ?
[Have you understood the joke ?]
I'm sure you know what un chien is.
Maybe you don't know what une patte is. This is a patte. [Paw]
To understand this joke, you got to understand the
double meaning of the verb appeler.
Appeler means to give a name to
someone or something. For instance : Ma soeur
s'appelle Marie. My sister's name is Marie or My
sister is called Marie.
But appeler also means to call someone
in order for that personn to come to you. For instance : « Le diner est
prêt, appelle ta soeur ! ». Diner's ready, call your sister.
Now I'm sure you completely understand the joke !
Comment appelle t'on un chien
qui n'a pas de pattes ?
On l'appelle pas, on va le chercher
!
