No Show Without Punch

The response to a listener, who on hearing a story feels that they must interject with a similar comment, or an inference that they are also subjected to a similar environmental variable. Usually this will be more intense the original commentator. The meaning originates from the Punch and Judy shows which have their root in 16th-century Italian commedia dell'arte. The reference being that without the responder, the show cannot go on.

'Oh my god, I had a power cut last night. I tripped and stubbed my toe'. 'Well, we had a power cut and I fell and broke my collarbone.' 'Really, well I suppose there is no show without punch'

OR

'I have a sore throat'. 'Well, i have a sore throat AND I've gone blind.' 'Well, there is no show without punch'

by Garfunkal January 13, 2010