5 Classic Limerick Examples That Will Make You Laugh

Contents

1. A Limerick from Edward Lear
2. A Classic from Anonymous
3. A Humorous Limerick from Ogden Nash
4. A Cheeky Limerick from Dorothy Parker
5. A Limerick with a Twist from Spike Milligan

Everyone loves a good laugh, and what better way to tickle your funny bone than with classic limerick examples? Limericks are short, humorous, and clever poems that have been around for centuries, delighting readers of all ages. They have a distinct rhythmic pattern and are often quite cheeky. This blog will take you on a fun journey through five classic limerick examples that are sure to make you chuckle. So, sit back, relax, and get ready for some laughter!

A Limerick from Edward Lear

Let's kick things off with a classic limerick example from none other than Edward Lear—one of the most popular limerick writers. His limericks are well-known for their whimsical humor and delightful nonsense.

The Limerick

There once was a man from Kent
Whose body was terribly bent.
He walked with a lean
And was never quite seen
To stand up completely straight, hellbent.

Why it's Funny

This limerick tickles our funny bone mainly because of its clever wordplay and the absurd image it paints. The man from Kent's refusal to stand up straight, despite his body being "terribly bent", is an unexpected twist that catches us off guard and makes us laugh.

The Rhythm and Rhyme

One of the key elements of limerick examples is their distinct rhythm and rhyme scheme. The rhythm of this limerick is characterized by its "da-DUM da-DUM da-DUM" pattern, also known as anapestic meter. The rhyme scheme, on the other hand, follows the pattern AABBA—meaning the first, second, and fifth lines rhyme with each other, and so do the third and fourth lines. This combination of rhythm and rhyme adds a musical quality to the limerick, making it even more enjoyable to read.

So, next time you're looking for a way to make someone laugh, why not share this classic limerick example from Edward Lear? It's sure to get a chuckle!

A Classic from Anonymous

Moving on, let's dive into a classic limerick example that's been handed down by an anonymous author. This one adds a bit of mystery to our list—after all, who doesn't love a good anonymous poem?

The Limerick

There was a young lady of Ryde
Who ate some green apples and died.
The apples fermented
Inside the lamented
And made cider inside her inside.

Why it's Amusing

This limerick example finds humor in its clever twist of words. The thought of cider being produced inside someone's stomach from fermented apples is both absurd and amusing. This unexpected turn of events is what makes this limerick a classic!

The Rhythm and Rhyme

Like other limerick examples, this one follows the familiar rhythm pattern of "da-DUM da-DUM da-DUM" and the rhyme scheme AABBA. The combination of rhythm and rhyme makes the limerick catchy, and the humor makes it memorable.

So the next time you're in the mood for a funny and classic limerick example, remember this anonymous gem. It's a great reminder of the playful and imaginative nature of limericks!

A Humorous Limerick from Ogden Nash

Next up in our collection of limerick examples, we have a comedic piece from the master of funny poetry himself, Ogden Nash. Known for his clever wordplay and surprising humor, Nash's limericks are always a treat.

The Limerick

There was an old man of Nantucket
Who kept all his cash in a bucket.
But his daughter, named Nan,
Ran away with a man
And as for the bucket, Nantucket.

Why it's Laugh-inducing

Nash's limerick becomes a stand-out among limerick examples for its whimsical play on words. The use of 'Nantucket' as both a place and a verb at the end is a surprising twist that delivers a hearty laugh. It's a cheeky demonstration of how limericks can play with language to create humor.

The Rhythm and Rhyme

As with the previous limerick examples, this one also follows the traditional rhythm and rhyme scheme of limericks. The consistent beat and rhyming pattern help deliver the punchline effectively, making the humor more impactful.

Remember, a well-written limerick, like this one from Nash, not only makes you laugh but also makes you appreciate the clever use of words and rhythm. It's a great example of how limericks can be both humorous and smart at the same time!

A Cheeky Limerick from Dorothy Parker

Moving along our list of limerick examples, we come across a sassy piece by Dorothy Parker, a writer known for her sharp wit and biting social commentary. Her limericks are no exception.

The Limerick

Higgledy piggledy, my white hen;
She lays eggs for gentlemen.
You cannot persuade her with gun or lariat
To come across for the proletariat.

Why it's Cheeky

What makes Parker’s limerick a standout among other limerick examples is her use of sociopolitical satire. The hen, representing the upper class, refuses to lay eggs for the common folk, symbolizing the economic divide. It's a classic example of how limericks can deliver a punch with a laugh.

The Rhythm and Rhyme

As with all classic limericks, Parker's adheres to the standard rhythm and rhyme scheme. This not only adds to the humor but also highlights the cleverness of the message she's conveying. It's cheeky, it's smart, and it's exactly what a good limerick should be.

So, next time you think of limerick examples, remember this one from Dorothy Parker. It's a fantastic demonstration of how humor and social commentary can be combined in a limerick, making it not just a funny verse but a witty social critique.

A Limerick with a Twist from Spike Milligan

As we continue our journey through the world of limerick examples, we encounter none other than Spike Milligan, a renowned comedian, and poet who was never afraid to push boundaries. His limericks, much like his comedy, often come with an unexpected twist.

The Limerick

There once was a man from the sticks
Who liked to compose limericks.
But he failed at the task
Because he made them so vast
They'd fit better in epic war flicks.

Why the Twist Works

Milligan's limerick starts off as a classic, but then suddenly, there's a twist in the fourth line. The man is composing limericks that are too vast, a funny and ironic departure from the typical brevity of limericks. It's this unexpected turn that makes this poem a standout among limerick examples.

Breaking the Mold

By playing with the traditional form, Milligan demonstrates the flexibility of limericks. They can be more than just a five-line poem with a strict rhyme scheme — they can also be a tool to surprise and delight the reader. Milligan’s limerick is a perfect example of creative freedom within a defined structure.

In conclusion, Spike Milligan's limerick is a delightful deviation from the norm. It's a great example of how limericks can be twisted and turned to create something unique and amusing. So, when you're searching for creative limerick examples, don't forget this quirky piece from Spike Milligan!

If you enjoyed these classic limerick examples and are feeling inspired to flex your own poetry muscles, check out the workshop '10 Minute Poetry Challenge: THINK LESS, WRITE MORE!' by Alieu Drammeh. This workshop will help you unleash your creativity and develop your poetry writing skills, all in just 10 minutes a day!