Arnold Zwicky's Blog

A delightful science-nerd cartoon manifested in several versions being passed around on the net. In my favorite, we’re given a science-illustrator’s b&w drawing of two (edible) figs in cross-section, labeled “fig 1.” and “fig 2.”:

(#1)  The labels we expect are abbreviations for “figure 1.” and “figure 2.”: “fig. 1.” and “fig. 2.”. Instead, we get labels for two figs. Note that the drawings are illustrative figures and also of two figs — so the labels are a subtle graphic pun (“fig” punning on “fig.”)

In any case, we have to distinguish fig numbering from figure numbering — figure numbering as here:

(#2) In the Smithsonian image gallery, from Catharine Esther Beecher’s Miss Beecher’s domestic receipt-book: designed as a supplement to her Treatise on domestic economy (1865) (image somewhat cleaned up for this posting)

A photographic version of the joke. More vivid and foody, less science-y.

(#3) But the same pun

Previously on this blog. In my 5/20/15 posting “Fig time”, some figgy reflections, starting with some Ficus plants and then wandering on to other fig-related matters: the fig leaf of modesty, figgy pudding, Fig Newtons, and the negative polarity item care/give a fig. Plus the fig sign, a mildly obscene gesture.

This entry was posted on August 14, 2024 at 2:59 pm and is filed under Abbreviation, Art, Language and food, Linguistics in the comics, Puns. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.