What is a riddle?

This article was written by M.J.Mardan

A riddle is generally a question devised so as to require clever or unexpected thinking for its answer. Riddles may be considered a form of brain teaser. In general conversation, a riddle is usually presented to someone who knows that a riddle is being asked and accepts the challenge of guessing the correct response. The guesser may get one or multiple guesses. Sometimes the asker gives clues, but sometimes the guesser just does the best she or he can. There is usually one correct answer to a riddle, and it is common for the correct answer to be given, even if the guesser doesn’t think of it.

Riddles typically use one of several techniques to create the twist that makes them difficult to guess. One common technique is double meanings. If the double meaning is in the words of the riddle, then a kind of equivocation is going on: the asker intends one meaning and hopes that the guesser will understand a different meaning.

Types of riddles

Riddles are of two types: enigmas, which are problems generally expressed in metaphorical or allegorical language that require ingenuity and careful thinking for their solution, and conundrums, which are questions relying for their effects on punning in either the question or the answer.

Here are some common interesting riddles. So cool…!

1. Why was Karl Marx buried at High gate Cemetery in London?

- Because he was dead!

2. What odd number becomes even when beheaded?

- Seven (Seven – E = even)

3. Why is the letter E like London?

- It is the capital in England.

4. What has four wheels and flies?

- A garbage truck.

5. What kind of running means walking?

- Running out of gas!

6. What stays hot even if you put it in a refrigerator?

- Pepper

7. What can’t be used unless broken?

- Eggs!

8. What two words contain thousands of letters?

- Post office.

9. What has nothing but a head and a tail?

- A coin.

10. What did the big chimney say to the little chimney while working?

- You are too young to smoke!