e.g., “I love hot dogs,” Tom said frankly.
The “frank” describes how he spoke and relates to the hot dog! [Frankfurter!]
The Tom Swifty can also use a phrase or homophone.
e.g., “You didn’t order enough carpet”, said Tom with a cold stare.
“Cold stare” expresses his annoyance and suggests uncarpeted stairs!
Choose one of the listed words or phrases to fill each gap.
1. “I really don’t need that injection”, said Tom _____.
2. “Russian Roulette? Yeah, it’s my favorite game!” said Tom _____.
3. “Nay”, argued Tom _____.
4. “We just got back from a Mediterranean holiday”, said Tom _____.
5. “Oh… she must have fallen off the back of my motorcycle”, said Tom _____.
1. in vain
2. blankly
3. hoarsely
4. nicely
5. ruthlessly
If you really need an explanation, scroll down…
Tom Swift was an adventure hero created by American writer Victor Appleton. In the books, almost all of Tom’s remarks were written with an adverb or adverbial phrase. From this style, the term “Tom Swifty” has come to be used for this form of word play.
*EXPLANATIONS*
1. Injection in his vein; his protest was in vain
2. Hopefully, it’s a blank cartridge that he fires; his statement shows a rather blank mind!
3. Nay…neigh!
4. Nice is a Mediterranean resort city.
5. Ruth is no longer with him!
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