The Random House Dictionary of the English Language (1st edition, 1966) defines a Tom Swifty as ... a play on words that follows an unvarying pattern and relies for its humor on a punning relationship between the way an adverb describes a speaker and at the same time refers significantly to the import of the speaker’s statement, as in “I know who turned off the lights,” Tom hinted darkly. Named after a narrative mannerism characteristic of the Tom Swift American series of adventure novels for boys.Below are a few of my favorites:“This is just like a fairy tale,” Tom said grimly.“I only have diamonds, clubs and spades,” Tom said heartlessly. “I voted against Clinton in his last election run,” Tom said dolefully. “I need a drink,” Tom said drily.“The prisoner escaped down a rope,” Tom said condescendingly. “I think I broke my leg,” Tom said lamely. "The situation is grave," Tom said cryptically."I don't like hot dogs," Tom said frankly.And my favorite:"That is remarkable," remarked Tom.© 2008 Barry T Horst
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