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Meaning 'by way of the anus'. 'Per Annum', with two n's…

“Meaning 'by way of the anus'. 'Per Annum', with two n's, means 'yearly'. The correct answer to the question, 'What is the birthrate per anum?' is zero (one hopes).” quote by Mary Roach
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““Meaning 'by way of the anus'. 'Per Annum', with two n's, means 'yearly'. The correct answer to the question, 'What is the birthrate per anum?' is zero (one hopes).””

Mary Roach

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

A humorous explanation that a misinterpreted Latin phrase sounds like a bodily reference, and that the literal answer to a joke about birthrate per annum is zero.

In simple terms: A joke about Latin wordplay and a zero birthrate.

Key Takeaway

Don’t take wordplay at face value.

Themes

humor language science biology

Mood

playight playful

Type

humorous educational informative

When to use this quote

  • lecture notes
  • science writing
  • comedy routines
  • educational podcasts

Key Concepts

Latin etymology wordplay biological statistics

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does wordplay affect understanding?
  • When can humor clarify scientific concepts?
A Different Perspective

The joke relies on audience familiarity with Latin and anatomy; otherwise it may fall flat.

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