Subject: Tom Swifties

Tom Swifties:

A Tom Swifty is a phrase in which a quoted sentence is linked by a pun to the manner in which it is attributed. The name comes from the Tom Swift series of books.

“I'll have a martini,” said Tom, dryly.

Tom Swifties

“I write elevator music,” Tom noted.

Tom Swifties

“I’ve stuck a pin through my nose,” said Tom punctually.

Tom Swifties

“I wouldn’t mind going with you to the tennis match,” she said gamely.

Tom Swifties

“Dorothy, if you’re going to Oz again, I’m going with you,” Em barked.

Tom Swifties

“Don’t you love sleeping outdoors,” Tom said intently.

Tom Swifties

“Who goes there!” the soldier called out haltingly.

Tom Swifties

“I don’t like this Chardonnay,” Tom whined.

Tom Swifties

“Do you know the location?” asked Tom warily.

Tom Swifties

“That’s the last time I’ll stick my arm in a lion’s mouth,” the lion-tamer said off-handedly.

Tom Swifties

“I was removed from office,” said Tom disappointedly.

Tom Swifties

“I had an accident in the kitchen,” said Tom with panache.

Tom Swifties

“That city will never be rebuilt,” the prophets babble on.


Tom Swifties

“I’m waiting to see the doctor,” said Tom patiently.

Tom Swifties

“I teach at a university,” Tom professed.

Tom Swifties

“Rowing hurts my hands,” said Tom callously.

Tom Swifties

“I can see you,” peeped Tom with his hands over his eyes.

Tom Swifties

“Hey, what’s it worth if I help you escape from prison?” asked Tom contemptuously.

Tom Swifties

“Another work week begins,” said Tom mundanely.

Tom Swifties

“I’m going to be intestate,” said Tom unwillingly.

Tom Swifties

“I pulled a hamstring,” said Tom limply.

Tom Swifties