I went to the doctor," said the woman next to Ethel. "I…
![“I went to the doctor," said the woman next to Ethel. "I said to him, 'I've got an itchy twat.'" [...] She went on: "The doctor says to me, he goes, 'You shouldn't say that, it's a rude word.'" [...] "I says to him, 'What should I say, then, doctor?' He says to me, 'Say you've got an itchy…” quote by Ken Follett](https://sms4smile.com/q/i/bdb/ken-follett-941_adult-humor_i-went-to-the-doctor-said-the-woman-next_1640019.jpg)
““I went to the doctor," said the woman next to Ethel. "I said to him, 'I've got an itchy twat.'" [...] She went on: "The doctor says to me, he goes, 'You shouldn't say that, it's a rude word.'" [...] "I says to him, 'What should I say, then, doctor?' He says to me, 'Say you've got an itchy finger.'" [...] "He says to me, 'Do your finger itch you all the time, Mrs. Perkins, or just now and again?'" Mildred paused, and the women were silent, waiting for the punch line. "I says, 'No, doctor, only when I piss through it.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Humor can mask discomfort, using wordplay to discuss taboo topics indirectly.
In simple terms: Funny wordplay hides awkward subjects.
Key Takeaway
Use humor to ease tension.
Themes
humor
taboo
communication
Mood
lighthearted
provocative
Type
satirical
conversational
When to use this quote
- social gatherings
- medical visits
- stand‑up comedy
Key Concepts
language
social norms
Questions to Reflect On
- When is humor appropriate?
- How does euphemism affect honesty?
A Different Perspective
Humor may obscure serious issues.