I should have heeded her Best Buy date.
Joke Poo:
Original Joke: I went out with this insane girl once, against the advice of my friend, who works for a major electronics retailer, who had went out with her previously. I should have heeded her Best Buy date.
New Joke: I adopted this adorable puppy once, ignoring the advice of my vet, who had boarded him previously. I really should have considered his poo-tential.
Alright, let’s break down this joke and see what comedic gold we can mine.
Joke Dissection:
- Setup: The setup establishes a relatable scenario: dating, receiving advice from a friend, and a warning about a potentially “insane” individual. The fact that the friend works for an electronics retailer adds a specific, slightly absurd detail.
- Punchline: The punchline, “I should have heeded her Best Buy date,” is a pun that cleverly links the friend’s profession (electronics retail) with the concept of an expiration date, typically used for food. It implies the woman has a limited shelf life regarding sanity or relationship suitability.
- Humor Source: The humor comes from the unexpected pun, the double meaning of “Best Buy date” (literal product date vs. a warning about a person), and the implication that a person can “expire” in terms of their suitability as a partner. The friend’s job sets up the pun perfectly.
Key Elements:
- Dating/Relationships: The foundation of the joke is the universal experience (or fear) of dating someone who turns out to be unstable.
- Advice: The ignored advice adds a layer of self-deprecating humor.
- Electronics Retail: This is the crucial element for the pun to work. “Best Buy” is a well-known brand.
- Expiration Date/Pun: The core of the joke’s wit is the play on words.
Comedic Enrichment: Options
Here are a few options using the deconstructed elements, from new jokes to “did you know” style observations:
Option 1: New Joke (Pun-Enhanced)
I tried to return my last relationship, but customer service said it was outside the warranty period. They offered me store credit, though – good for one “slightly less crazy” individual.
Why it works: This plays off the “return” concept common in retail and applies it to a failed relationship. It builds on the original joke’s theme of insanity and limited usability.
Option 2: Witty Observation/ “Did You Know?”
Did you know that “planned obsolescence,” the strategy of designing products with a limited lifespan, also seems to be a popular feature in modern dating? At least with the people I attract.
Why it works: This ties the joke’s theme of “expiration” to a real-world business practice, creating a cynical, relatable observation about modern dating.
Option 3: Joke Twist/Tagline
Original Joke: I went out with this insane girl once, against the advice of my friend, who works for a major electronics retailer, who had went out with her previously.
I should have heeded her Best Buy date.
Tagline: Turns out, she was on clearance for a reason.
Why it works: The tagline adds another layer to the joke, reinforcing the retail metaphor and suggesting a deeper flaw in the woman’s character.
Option 4: Hybrid Approach
Why did the electronics store worker break up with the conspiracy theorist?
Because her claims about government surveillance were starting to sound a little off brand. He wanted a relationship that was refurbished back to normal.
Why it works: This option combines both a new joke format (Q&A) with elements from the original punchline (retail, “refurbished”) and expands on the theme of dating someone who is ‘insane’ by using conspiracy theories.