The Aristocrats (joke) - Traditional Format

Traditional Format

This joke almost always has these elements—alternative versions may change this form.

1. Setup: A family act going in to see a talent agent; either the whole family or just one family member (usually the father).
   • The agent asks what they do.
   • If the whole family is present, the act is performed for the agent; otherwise it is described.
2. Act: It is described in as much detail as the teller prefers.
   • While most tellings follow one of a few basic forms, the description of the act is meant to be an ad lib.
   • Traditionally, the description is tasteless, and ribald. The goal is to significantly transgress social norms. Taboo acts such as incest, rape, coprophilia, coprophagy, bestiality, and murder are common themes.
3. Punch line: The shocked (or intrigued) agent asks what the act is called, and the proud answer (sometimes delivered with a flourish) is: "The Aristocrats!"

   The intention of the punch line is in the reading of the joke as a satirical comment on the decadence of the aristocracy.