Big Little ThingsTom Swifties
“I need a pencil sharpener,” said Tom bluntly.
“I have a split personality,” said Tom, being frank.
“This must be an aerobics class,” Tom worked out.
“Your fly is undone,” was Tom’s zippy rejoinder.
“I only have diamonds, clubs and spades,” said Tom heartlessly.
“I haven’t had any tooth decay yet,” said Tom precariously.
This kind of construction, where the adverb modifying Tom’s speaking is a pun on what he says, is called a Tom Swifty. If you like this kind of wordplay, check this link.
