From Gilbert Krebs [gill@cchat.com]. This is a classic old groaner (I can’t think of anyone to whom it might refer, however.) This piece was published on the groaners listserv.

The Institute of Paranomasial Research announced today that they have isolated the cause of severe paranomasia.

Paranomasia, the often debilitating condition which causes unusual misuse of the English language, is found in less than 1% of the population.

An Institute spokesman stated, “We have long sought the cause of this propensity to producing a prolific plethora of puns. Paranomasia is caused by the newly discovered hormone punesterone. Punesterone is secreted by two small, previously undiscovered glands which are located at the lower end of the humerus in the area commonly known as the funny bone.” The glands have been named “groanads.”

Doctors are now searching for a way to disable these glands and render the condition impotent.