I haven't spoken to my wife in years. I didn't want to interrupt her.
Rodney DangerfieldRead
I was an ugly kid; when I was born, after the doctor cut the cord, he hung himself.
Interpretation
This quote is a humorous exaggeration expressing self-deprecation about one's appearance.
Rodney Dangerfield uses a witty and absurd statement to illustrate his feelings of insecurity about his looks during childhood. The hyperbolic nature of the quote, where he suggests that even the doctor was so shocked by his appearance that he would take extreme action, serves to evoke laughter while highlighting the comedian's lifelong struggle with self-image and the quest for respect.
In practice
Using this quote in a stand-up comedy routine to illustrate the humor in childhood insecurities.
I haven't spoken to my wife in years. I didn't want to interrupt her.
I came from a real tough neighborhood. Why, every time I shut the window I hurt somebody's fingers.
I told my psychiatrist that everyone hates me. He said I was being ridiculous - everyone hasn't met me yet.
Last week I told my psychiatrist, 'I keep thinking about suicide', and he told me from now I have to pay in advance.
We must laugh at man to avoid crying for him.
My failed corporate career became the fodder for the 'Dilbert' comic. Once it became clear I would not be climbing any higher on the corporate ladder, it freed me to mock managers without worrying that it would stall my career. Most failures create some sort of unplanned freedom. I took full advantage of mine.
It's true hard work never killed anybody, but I figure, why take the chance?
Opinions are like demo tapes. I don't want to hear yours
If I can get you to laugh with me, you like me better, which makes you open to my ideas
Simple. I got very bored and depressed, so I went and plugged myself in to its external computer feed. I talked to the computer at great length and explained my view of the Universe to it," said Marvin. "And what happened?" pressed Ford. "It committed suicide," said Marvin and stalked off back to the Heart of Gold.
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