The Aristocrats

"The Aristocrats" (also called "The Debonaires" or "The Sophisticates" in some tellings) is a taboo-defying off-color joke that has been told by numerous stand-up comedians since the vaudeville era. The joke was the subject of a 2005 documentary film of the same name. It received publicity when it was used by Gilbert Gottfried during the Friars' Club roast of Hugh Hefner in September 2001.

Traditional format

This joke almost always has these elements—alternative versions may change this form.

  1. Setup: A family act going in to see a talent agent; either the whole family or just one family member (usually the father).
    • The agent asks what they do.
    • If the whole family is present, the act is performed for the agent; otherwise it is described.
  2. Act: It is described in as much detail as the teller prefers.
  3. Punch line: The shocked (or intrigued) agent asks what the act is called, and the proud answer (sometimes delivered with a flourish) is: "The Aristocrats!"

History in print

See also

References

  1. 1 2 Martling, Jackie (2005). ""The Aristocrats" from Rationale Of The Dirty Joke, An Analysis Of Sexual Humor Series Two: No Laughing Matter". Archived from the original on 2005-12-24. Retrieved 2007-03-26.
  2. ↑ Logan, Brian (2005-09-02). "The verdict". The Guardian. Retrieved 2007-03-26.
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