A Carton of French Fries Walks Into a Bar

This is the latest specimen in The New Yorker’s cartoon caption contest that has run for centuries. I’ve never come close to inventing a caption for an entry in this feature, but it fascinates me for what it often shows of how much of a good cartoon’s payload is packed into the drawing itself. Adding words can feel like gilding the lily. Not that I discourage the contest. The winning caption is always witty and apt. I often wonder if the cartoonist has a caption in mind in the course of drawing?

I’ve looked at the above cartoon multiple times and have kept laughing. What I see is a cranky French fry carton laden with cargo — a working stiff — who has ducked into his neighborhood watering hole to be poured a pick-me-up shot of Heinz ketchup in a condiment cup by the barkeep. Hitting the sauce is a common failing in his line of work. He’s on his way to… well, being emptied out unceremoniously and discarded. That’s the job. Even though I’m someone who tries to put diffuse, anomalous things into words, I haven’t the foggiest idea for a good caption.

About JMN

I live in Texas and devote much of my time to easel painting on an amateur basis. I stream a lot of music, mostly jazz, throughout the day. I like to read and memorize poetry.

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3 Responses to A Carton of French Fries Walks Into a Bar

Donna Bernard says:

September 26, 2024 at 12:40 am

I also saw this cartoon and wanted to see what the final caption would be. By the time I saw the cartoon it was too late to enter the contest and I have not seen the final caption. My ideas would have been one of the following:

Hey Mac, Better make it a double because I’m fried.

Hey McDonald, make it a double because I’m fried.

Please let me know the final answer if it has been printed.

Thank you, Donna

LikeLiked by 2 people

- JMN says:
  
  September 26, 2024 at 12:58 am
  
  I’m glad you noticed and liked the cartoon, too! Your “Hey, Mac…” caption is terrific. More often than not I never see the winners of this contest. I subscribe now only to the digital edition of the New Yorker, and my contact is more hit-and-miss than when I could hold the magazine in my hands. I’ll keep my eyes peeled! Thanks for your message.
  
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  - Donna Bernard says:
    
    September 26, 2024 at 1:42 am
    
    You’re welcome. Thank you for liking my “Hey Mac . . .” caption. I will let you know when I see the final caption.
    
    Donna
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person