Word lovers, check out the results of the Washington Post’s Style Invitational from Week 820, with guest judge Dave Barry.  The contest invited readers to submit Q and A to and from Mister Language Person, “the great grammarian who appeared in numerous Dave Barry columns back in the day when newspapers had ads and subscriptions and Dave Barry.”  As funny as the submissions are Barry’s notations, to wit:

Q. Please demonstrate how to use euphemisms.

A: Correct: “Our hamster Mr. Buttons became rabid, so we had to put him down.”

Incorrect: “Our hamster Mr. Buttons became rabid, so we had to put him down the toilet.” (Kevin Dopart, Washington)

Mister Language Person explains: This beautifully illustrates the First Principle of Humor, as defined by Aristotle: “It should have a hamster, and it should have a toilet.”

Q. What is a non sequitur?A. I’ll say! (Jonathan Paul, Garrett Park)

I picked this one because I love chocolate.

Q. What is “hyperbole”?

A. It’s what takes place for two solid weeks leading up to the Superbole. (Beverley Sharp, Washington)

I picked this one because it is the funniest thing ever written in any language in the history of the universe.