If you’re learning Greek, you’ve likely come across phrases, expressions, and even jokes that don’t quite translate in the way you expect. Greek humor, like humor in any language, often plays with words and assumptions, leading to responses that are surprising, yet relatable.
Let’s explore the following joke today:
- Q: Πώς έρχεσαι στη δουλειά; (Pós érchese sti duliά?)
– How do you come to work? - A: Αναγκαστικά. (Anagkastikά)
– Out of necessity.
At first glance, this might seem like a strange answer to a straightforward question, but this type of humor is common in Greek everyday conversations. Let’s break it down to better understand why it’s funny and learn a bit about how Greek humor works.
The Question
The question is straightforward: “Πώς έρχεσαι στη δουλειά;” (Pós érchese sti doulia?)
This phrase translates to “How do you come to work?” It’s asking how someone physically arrives at their workplace.
In Greek culture, this question typically anticipates a response that includes a mode of transportation. Here are some common responses you might expect:
- Με το αυτοκίνητο. (Me to aftokínito.)
This answer indicates that the person drives to work. - Με το λεωφορείο. (Me to leoforío.)
Here, the individual uses public transportation to get to work. - Με τα πόδια. (Me ta pódia.)
This response shows that the person walks to work.
These responses are practical and informative, focusing on the specific way someone gets to their job. The question sets up an expectation for a factual answer about transportation methods, making it a common conversational starter in Greek-speaking contexts.
The Humorous Twist
However, the humor in the joke arises when the expected answer is subverted with Αναγκαστικά, (Anagkastiká) meaning “Out of necessity” or “I have no choice.” Instead of providing a mode of transportation, the respondent shifts the focus to their feelings about work, adding an unexpected twist that makes the response funny.
