What Did the Turkey Say to the Ham? Exploring the Origins and Humor of this Classic Thanksgiving Joke

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As American families gather around the table each Thanksgiving, a timeless culinary debate ensues – which tasty centerpiece reigns supreme, turkey or ham? Strong opinions emerge on both sides, and jokes inevitably arise poking fun at these two holiday staples. One of the most enduring humor classics is the question “What did the turkey say to the ham?”. This simple play-on-words encapsulates the lighthearted turkey vs. ham rivalry. But where did this joke come from and why has it persisted for so long? Let’s explore the origins and comedic appeal of this Thanksgiving favorite.

A Tradition Spanning Centuries

Both turkey and ham have graced Thanksgiving tables since the very first feast in 1621. The Pilgrims contributed wild turkeys among their offerings while the Wampanoag tribe brought venison and other meats. Over time roasted turkey became the customary main course as livestock farming expanded. And baked ham remained a cherished accompaniment. So it’s fitting that jokes arose about the turkey and ham conversing.

The first known publication of the joke appeared in 1929, over 300 years after that inaugural feast. The Montana newspaper Choteau Acantha shared this version

“Knock knock”
“Who’s there?”
“Ham”
“Ham who?”
“Ham glad Thanksgiving is here!”

Since then, humorous variations on the basic premise have been told in numerous formats. But the fundamental pun and play-on-words structure persists. More than just a silly joke, it has become a comedic symbol of Thanksgiving itself.

Why We Find it So Funny

There are several key ingredients that give this simple joke its enduring humor:

Personification

By pretending the turkey and ham can literally talk to each other, we inject some wholesome absurdity. Anthropomorphizing the food adds a dash of fun frivolity to balance the formality of traditions.

Clever Wordplay

The basic joke format relies on a pun using “ham” and “ham” homophones. The surprise cognitive shift tickles our brains. Other versions swap in “yam”, “cran”, or other Thanksgiving foods.

Familiarity

Repetition cements this joke as a nostalgic part of Thanksgiving. The anticipation of hearing it again each year makes it more amusing. Inside jokes hold powerful sway in family traditions.

Relatability

Since these two foods are staples of the holiday feast, joking about them feels relevant. Linking silliness and truth is the foundation of much observational humor.

So the winning formula includes personification, wordplay, familiarity, and relatability. It takes two icons of the holiday and makes them participants in a endearingly corny exchange.

Modern Twists on a Classic

While the original framework remains intact, new variations keep this decades-old joke feeling fresh:

Turkey: Knock knock
Ham: Who’s there?
Turkey: It’s me, the turkey
Ham: Oh, it’s so nice to meat you!

Turkey: Hey Ham, want to hear a Thanksgiving joke?
Ham: Sure!
Turkey: Knock Knock
Ham: Who’s there?
Turkey: No one now because you’ve been eaten.

These examples add some contemporary snark and dark humor to the mix. They riff on modern slang like “nice to meat you” and existential angst over being consumed. The core pun stays satisfying while the other elements provide welcome surprises.

Bringing levity to Thanksgiving

At its heart, this lighthearted joke represents the joy of gathering for Thanksgiving. It celebrates the quirky foods so central to the holiday, while gently poking fun at the entire tradition. The joke adds moments of levity and perspective amid the stresses of family dynamics, travel, expenses, and cooking pressures. Laughter relieves tension and reminds us not to take ourselves too seriously.

So this Thanksgiving when your family gathers and debates turkey vs. ham superiority, feel free to trot out this vintage gag. Put your own spin on it as you pass the gravy and stuffing. Turn the joke into a bridge between generations, bringing smiles from old and young. Because beloved traditions like corny jokes, warm moments of levity, and time with loved ones are what the holidays are all about.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Turkey and Ham Joke

Here are answers to some common questions surrounding this iconic Thanksgiving joke:

Where did the joke originally come from?

The first known publication was in 1929, but it likely emerged informally long before then. Both meats were part of the first Thanksgiving in 1621, so pilgrims probably joked about them conversing.

Why is it told every Thanksgiving?

Through repetition over decades, it has become ingrained as a nostalgic part of the annual celebration. The silly personification of entrees resonates year after year.

What are some variations on the basic joke?

The core knock-knock structure stays intact but the puns change – “yam” instead of “ham”, talking after being eaten, poking fun at being roasted.

Does the joke mock vegetarians?

It doesn’t have to. Modern versions can substitute plant-based mains like lentils or tofu to be more inclusive while retaining the humor.

Isn’t it outdated and overdone by now?

For some yes, but many still appreciate the innocent predictability as part of tradition. It’s fine to retire jokes that no longer bring you joy.

Should kids be shielded from dark variations?

Parental judgement is best here. Lighthearted versions are fine for kids, but morbid themes around slaughter may not be suitable for young children.

What does the joke symbolize?

It represents the togetherness central to Thanksgiving. Joking about shared food traditions adds levity and perspective to offset holiday stress.

So this simple knock-knock gag endures as both a comedic and symbolic tradition. It pokes gentle fun at the turkey vs. ham debate in a family-friendly way. This Thanksgiving, feel free to dust off this vintage joke and put your own spin on it!