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.

“There’s someone at the front door,” Tom chimed in.

“I insist on naming the first male insect”, said Tom adamantly.

“Come up to my apartment,” Tom said flatly.

“This is mutiny!” said Tom bountifully.

“Your fly is undone,” was Tom’s zippy rejoinder.

“We just struck oil!” Tom gushed.

“I’d like to make a toast,” Tom said warmly.

“Boy, that’s a bright star,” said Tom seriously.

“I’ve mailed the letter,” Tom assented.

“Boy, I wish the elevator were working,” said Tom, staring up to the top.

“Cut it out!” said Tom sharply.

“Don’t add too much water,” said Tom with great concentration.

“I am removing the lining of my gloves,” Tom deferred.

“Who’s your favorite operatic tenor?” Tom asked placidly.

“Here is your hotdog,” said Tom with relish.

“I teach at a university,” Tom professed.

“I don’t know any shanties,” said Tom unceasingly.

“I like camping,” said Tom intently.

“The girl has been kidnapped,” said Tom mistakenly.

“How do you start a model-T Ford without a battery?” asked Tom crankily.

“The situation is grave,” Tom said cryptically.