A limerick is a five-line poem known for its jaunty rhythm, playful tone, and a punchline twist.
It’s built for humor—often sly, sometimes downright silly.
Common characteristics of limericks:
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Five Lines & Rhyme: The standard scheme is
AABBA—the first, second, and fifth lines rhyme; the shorter third and fourth lines rhyme with each other.
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Bouncy Meter: Typically anapestic (two short, one long beat). Lines 1, 2, and 5 are longer; lines 3 and 4 are shorter.
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Tone & Humor: Lighthearted, mischievous, and built around a final gag or reversal.
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Subject & Setup: Often starts with “There once was a … from …,” setting place and character before the comic turn.
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Sound Play: Internal rhyme, alliteration, and rhythmic snap heighten the joke’s delivery.
The best limericks land like a good toast: quick, musical, and clinched by a memorable last line.