When it’s obviously takeout
Okay, here’s the joke:
Joke Poo: Why is pet adoption called rescuing…
…when it’s clearly a sanctioned kidnapping?
Okay, let’s break down this joke:
Original Joke Dissection:
- Core Concept: It plays on the mismatch between the clinical, almost impersonal term “delivery” for childbirth and the more relatable, casual experience of “takeout.”
- Humor Mechanism: The humor comes from the unexpected substitution of a serious term with a mundane one. It highlights the absurdity of using a formal word for something as intensely personal and messy as childbirth. There’s also a subtle hint of the burden and waiting associated with both delivery types.
- Target Audience: Probably parents, especially new parents, or anyone who’s experienced the waiting game before/after the birth of a child.
Key Elements & Related Factual Tidbits:
- Delivery (Childbirth):
- Factual Tidbit: The term “delivery” in childbirth likely originated from the medical profession’s desire to present childbirth as a safe, managed process, distancing it from the uncontrolled and risky associations it held historically. “Midwifery,” a far older term, focuses on the “with-woman” aspect rather than the medical process.
- Takeout:
- Factual Tidbit: The concept of takeout (or “carry-out” as some call it) dates back to ancient Rome, where street food was common. However, its modern popularity exploded in the 20th century alongside the rise of fast-food chains and busy lifestyles.
- Waiting:
- Factual Tidbit: Interestingly, the average waiting time for takeout food is decreasing, largely due to online ordering and delivery apps. Conversely, the ‘waiting’ period of pregnancy is constant, with delivery being a final, lengthy, step.
- Burden/Cost:
- Factual Tidbit: The average cost of childbirth in the US can be astronomical, ranging from $10,000 to $30,000+ depending on location and type of delivery. Takeout, on the other hand, is a relatively inexpensive option compared to dining in a restaurant.
New Humor Piece (Observational Witty Observation):
We call it “delivery” because it feels like you’re waiting for much longer than any pizza, and when it finally arrives, the bill is roughly equivalent to buying the entire pizzeria. “Pick-up” is also an option, but it requires you to push a watermelon out of a small opening yourself, while they act as the ‘expert’ helper.