Brain Teasers
Tom Swifties
Language
Language brain teasers are those that involve the English language. You need to think about and manipulate words and letters.Language
A Tom Swifty is a play on words. Tom speaks, and the way he is said to speak has two meanings. Both meanings could be true.
e.g. "I love hot dogs", Tom said frankly.
The "frank" describes how he spoke and relates to the hot dog! [Frankfurter!]
The Tom Swifty can also use a phrase or homophone.
e.g. "You didn't order enough carpet", said Tom with a cold stare.
"Cold stare" expresses his annoyance and suggests uncarpeted stairs!
Choose one of the listed words or phrases to fill each gap.
1. "I really don't need that injection", said Tom _____.
2. "Russian Roulette? Yeah, it's my favourite game!" said Tom _____.
3. "Nay", argued Tom _____.
4. "We just got back from a Mediterranean holiday", said Tom _____.
5. "Oh...she must have fallen off the back of my motorcycle", said Tom _____.
** WORD LIST **
nicely, hoarsely, in vain, ruthlessly, mysteriously, blankly, winsomely, happily,
** CREATIVITY BONUS **
Complete this and maybe write your answer as a "Comment".
"I can't carry this", said Tom _____.
e.g. "I love hot dogs", Tom said frankly.
The "frank" describes how he spoke and relates to the hot dog! [Frankfurter!]
The Tom Swifty can also use a phrase or homophone.
e.g. "You didn't order enough carpet", said Tom with a cold stare.
"Cold stare" expresses his annoyance and suggests uncarpeted stairs!
Choose one of the listed words or phrases to fill each gap.
1. "I really don't need that injection", said Tom _____.
2. "Russian Roulette? Yeah, it's my favourite game!" said Tom _____.
3. "Nay", argued Tom _____.
4. "We just got back from a Mediterranean holiday", said Tom _____.
5. "Oh...she must have fallen off the back of my motorcycle", said Tom _____.
** WORD LIST **
nicely, hoarsely, in vain, ruthlessly, mysteriously, blankly, winsomely, happily,
** CREATIVITY BONUS **
Complete this and maybe write your answer as a "Comment".
"I can't carry this", said Tom _____.
Hint
Look for possible puns, double entendre, and remember the sound-alike possibilities. Expect to groan a few times.Answer
1. in vain2. blankly
3. hoarsely
4. nicely
5. ruthlessly
If you really need an explanation, scroll down...
Tom Swift was an adventure hero created by American writer Victor Appleton. In the books, almost all of Tom's remarks were written with an adverb or adverbial phrase. From this style, the term "Tom Swifty" has come to be used for this form of word play.
*EXPLANATIONS*
1. Injection in his vein; his protest was in vain
2. Hopefully, its a blank cartridge that he fires; his statement shows a rather blank mind!
3. Nay...neigh!
4. Nice is a Mediterranean resort city.
5. Ruth is no longer with him!
I thought of "heavily" for the bonus question. Any better ideas?
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