A minute and a huff

Posted by ESC on December 02, 2003

In Reply to: A minute and a huff posted by Henry on December 01, 2003

: : zeugma \ZOOG-muh\ noun -- The use of a word to modify or govern two or more words usually in such a manner that it applies to each in a different sense or makes sense with only one (as in "opened the door and
: : her heart to the homeless boy"). Example sentence: "She left in a huff and a Chevy," said Jack, employing vivid zeugma to report of Marissa's departure. (The Word of the Day (Merriam-Webster) for November 28, 2003.)

: Groucho Marx in Duck Soup
: You can leave in a taxi. If you can't get a taxi, you can leave in a huff. If that's too soon, you can leave in a minute and a huff.

That's a funnier example.