The joke revolves around the concept of the Bechdel Test, a measure used to assess the representation of women in fiction. For a work to pass the Bechdel Test, it must feature at least two named female characters who talk to each other about something other than a man. The irony in the joke arises when Martha, in response to Linda’s question about the Bechdel Test, says, “My boyfriend told me about it.” This means their conversation, which started as a potential pass for the Bechdel Test, ironically fails the test because Martha references a man. The humor emerges from this self-referential and unexpected twist, highlighting the very issue the Bechdel Test seeks to address.

The joke “Who do you go see if you need to buy some black market midget body parts? A small arms dealer” is a play on words that hinges on the dual interpretation of the term “small arms.” The setup, which introduces the concept of “black market midget body parts,” leads listeners to anticipate an answer related to the illicit trade of body parts. The punchline, “A small arms dealer,” delivers a humorous twist. In one context, “small arms” refers to weapons like guns and rifles. However, in the context of the joke, “small arms” is also taken literally, suggesting the arms of a small person, or midget.

The joke “What is the 9th letter of the alphabet? It was a complete guess, but I was right” is a play on words that hinges on the dual interpretation of the word “guess.” When asked about the 9th letter of the alphabet, most would think numerically and identify it as the letter “I.” However, the punchline cleverly redirects the listener’s attention to the word “guess,” which, when spoken aloud, sounds phonetically similar to the letter “G.” The humor emerges from this unexpected twist. The phrase “but I was right” adds another layer, as “I” is also a letter, creating a multi-faceted play on words.

The joke “What room will you never find in a haunted house? A living room” plays on the double meaning of the word “living.” The setup prompts listeners to think about the eerie or supernatural aspects of a haunted house, leading them to anticipate a spooky or ghostly answer. However, the punchline, “A living room,” cleverly subverts this expectation. In most contexts, a “living room” is a common area in a house for relaxation and socializing. But the word “living” also refers to being alive. The humor arises from the juxtaposition of a haunted house, typically associated with the dead, and the concept of “living.”

The joke “What has three letters and starts with gas? A Car” is a play on words that cleverly subverts the listener’s expectations. The setup, “What has three letters and starts with gas?”, prompts listeners to think of a three-letter word that begins with the word “gas.” This leads the audience down a path of trying to decipher a word that fits this description. However, the punchline, “A Car,” delivers an unexpected twist. Instead of focusing on the word’s spelling, the joke refers to the function of a car, which starts or operates using gasoline (or “gas”).