My grandfather was named David Crockett Mayo. I once suggested to hime that when someone brings up the coonskin cap guy, he should say, “David Crockett was a fine name, until that no-talent ass-clown started defending the alamo.” I’m pretty confident that he didn’t get it, although I found the idea hilarious, especially as Grandpappy was a Hank Hill-type lifelong proud Texan.
I recommend playing it straight, as well. My last name is Mayo. When anyone asks, “How’s the clinic?*” I tell them about the free children’s health clinic my church runs every month and ask if they’d mind volunteering. I’ve confused at least one person into working instead of admitting to their stupid joke.
I don’t know how well-known it is abroad, but The Mayo Clinic is probably the most famous hospital in America. I have no known relation to those Mayos.
The Dove award committee doesn’t know that I’ve a practicing Neo-Pagan for over five years. There are days when I’m tempted to email this singer and let her know that there is a bizzaro version of her: Pagan, can’t carry a tune, etc.
Mr. Maven usual just smiles and says, “No, not that Springer.” He said he got more jokes over in Europe that here in the US. :dubious: If someone says “Like Jerry Springer?” his stock response is “No, like the dog. Springer Spaniel.”
Me: I’m here to pick up a pizza for Cartwright
Customer at counter: Ya takin’ that back to the Ponderosa?
Me (barely amused): Yeah. (To the cashier) Can you box this so it stays warm? It’s a four-hour flight back to the Ponderosa.
Reminds me of my brother’s wedding. My uncle asked me if I was ‘next’, but did it in a way that I knew he was aware how unoriginal the question was. He then rolled his eyes and said, “How many people have asked you that today?” After I chuckled, he added, “And how many of those idiots thought they were the first one to ask you?”
Dunno why, but it made my night.
I would think anyone who doesn’t share a surname with someone famous would be in the minority.
I share a last name with a certain astronaut and one time pres. candidate and I rode the heck out of it when he was in the public eye. Maybe I didn’t get as many comments as some, but I hardly found it to be a big deal. Even the lamest, most unoriginal “jokes” were just attempts to make human contact, which in my opinion is never a bad thing. Now, if someone is being an ass, no witty comeback is needed, you simply tell them they’re being an ass. Why the need to humiliate someone who’s just trying to be friendly(albeit in an unoriginal way)though?
Alright… well here’s the $63,000 question… when you met him and found out that his name was Springer, did you ask him if he was related to Jerry or ask one of the other annoying questions that you have since come accustomed to? If you haven’t maybe you should… maybe his is related to him.
When we first met, I didn’t ask if he was related to Jerry Springer. I know its a common last name and I didn’t want to embarass him. Mr. Maven has been researching his family tree, and Jerry hasn’t fallen out yet.
There are days when I’m tempted to email this singer and let her know that there is a bizzaro version of her: Pagan, can’t carry a tune, etc.