Mafia Hit-Man Joke

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A Mafia hit-man was arrested for killing a man in a rice field with a porcelain figurine. The police said this is the first known case of a knick knack paddy whack. 

New Vocabulary

hit-man = someone who kills others for money (a "hit" is Mafia slang for a killing)

rice field = place for growing rice, also called a rice paddy

figurine = small decorative statue

knick-knack = a decorative object that people put on shelves or bookcases

whack = hit or killing

What's So Funny?

A favorite childhood song, called "This Old Man" includes the nonsense words, "With a knick knack paddy whack, give a dog a bone. /This old man came rolling home."

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Alan Headbloom

Alan advises Americans how to be global citizens and expats how to fit in to Michigan culture without annoying their native coworkers and clients. He also tweets and blogs at the intersection of language and culture. Over decades, he's traveled, studied, or lived on six continents, putting strange foods into his mouth and emitting strange sounds from it. His use of English, German, Spanish, Portuguese, French, Swedish, Hausa, and Japanese all improve with alcohol use. He gives invited public presentations on culture and unsolicited private advice on English grammar and usage; the latter isn't always appreciated. Visit his website for information on consulting, coaching, or speaking engagements.