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by DigiDigiorno 1106 days ago
I am amused by the idea of presenting philosophical "terms of art" with obscure television skits dedicated to them. (i.e. Ship of Theseus is now Trigger's broom). Got any more in the bag?
2 comments

Fry & Laurie had a sketch[0] that, behind the silliness and ridiculous characterization, sets out Ferdinand de Saussure’s distinction of langue versus parole that is the foundation of modern linguistics.

[0] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MWpHQQ-wQg

While "obscure" is probably a fair assessment for most of the world, in the UK and any serious consumers of British comedy, Trigger's Broom is one of the most famous scenes of Britain's favourite ever comedy, Only Fools and Horses, so its as famous and un-obscure as scenes come, in that context.

I remember watching it for the first time and thinking it was the cleverest joke I'd ever seen, until its ancient origin dawned on me. Then it seemed even cleverer.

That ‘triggers broom’ sketch and Del boy falling through the bar being ‘sophisticated’ was the height of comedy for me as kid. I suspect we are similar ages!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63rcdLeXiU8

Yup! The chandelier scene, the hang glider, etc, etc, just amazingly creative and funny series.