Buzz
“A pun is the lowest form of humor … when you don’t think of it first.”— Oscar Levant
Wordplay often doesn’t get the respect it deserves. But if crafting cringe-worthy jokes is your forte, why not elevate your skills? Discover three of the most prestigious pun contests globally, featuring some of the winning lines that secured their creators’ victories. Just be cautious when using these in everyday conversations...
1. The Great Durham Pun Championship
Since 2011, Durham, North Carolina, has hosted this yearly competition, famously called “Pundemonium.” As per the official rules, “[Teams] of two are assigned a topic. The first participant has 10 seconds to deliver a fitting pun, followed by the second. This continues until one fails to deliver, and the last punster remaining is honored as the Pun Master of Durham.”
Jake Palmer claimed this prestigious title in 2012, and his friends kindly captured his winning moments on camera. Here are some standout examples.
TOPIC: “Magic”
“You’re really potion your luck with this one!” “I’ve wand-ered into dangerous territory here.”
TOPIC: “Marriage & Divorce”
“I’m not sure I can even COMMIT to this topic!” (To his competitor): “You certainly look impeccably groomed.”
2. The “Shop Pun of the Year” Award
Small businesses in London, England, thrive on blending humor with creativity. The city boasts gems like a fish-and-chips spot called “The Codfather,", a barber shop named “Jack the Clipper,", and a wine and spirits store titled “Planet of the Grapes."
Celebrating this playful trend, the Local Data Company, which monitors the retail sector, organized a public vote to crown the shop with the most “pun-derful” name. Winning with a dominant 33.3 percent of votes was the thrift store “Junk and Disorderly.” Other notable contenders included "Sofa So Good" (a furniture outlet), "World of Woolcraft" (a knitting shop), and "License 2 Fill" (a takeaway spot).
3. The O. Henry Pun-Off World Championships
Attention all pun enthusiasts: This is the ultimate event. Established in 1978, the O. Henry Pun-Off World Championships are hosted by the group “Punsters United Nearly Yearly” (P.U.N.Y.) and occur in Austin, Texas. Unlike other competitions, participants vie for multiple titles at this prestigious gathering. The categories include:
Punniest of Show:
In this category, contestants present a prepared routine packed with puns. Jerzy Gwiazdowski clinched the trophy (aptly shaped like a horse’s rear) in 2012 with his state-themed monologue. “I’ve transformed, and Iowa lot of that to you!” he exclaimed. “You might not always be cheerful, but Missouri loves company!”
Punslinging:
This segment involves head-to-head battles where participants tackle assigned topics to advance. Ben Ziek triumphed in 2013, navigating the final round with ease. Earlier, he tackled the theme of “toys” with lines like, “I once had curly hair… and bees kept buzzing around it. I had to yell, ‘Get out of my Frizz, Bee!’”
McClughan Memorial Most Viable Punster Award:
George McClughan, a dedicated O. Henry enthusiast, passed away in 2001. To commemorate his contributions, participants now vote for the “most viable punster” among themselves. The latest honoree was Alexandra Petri from Washington, DC, whose exceptional talent is showcased in the video above from the 2013 event.
