Doofus Of The Day #413

It’s not so much one Doofus as a whole collection of Doofi today! Wendy Roby has just published a book in England called ‘Universally Challenged‘. It’s described as follows:

There’s nothing quite like a quick fire question, the pressure of a countdown, or the expectant stare of Jeremy Paxman for making even the most intelligent quiz show contestants (as well as the not so clever) come out with the most unbelievably stupid answers. “Universally Challenged” is a collection of slip-ups, blunders and misunderstandings from contestants who really are the weakest link.

The Daily Mail has published an article citing many of the funnier question-and-answer exchanges in the book. Here are a few to whet your appetite (and start you laughing!).

STEVE WRIGHT: What is the Italian word for ‘motorway’?
CONTESTANT: Expresso.

ANNE ROBINSON: The action of which Shakespeare play takes place between dusk on January 5 and dawn on January 6?
CONTESTANT: A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

NOEL EDMONDS: Was the Tyrannosaurus Rex a carnivore or a herbivore?
CONTESTANT: No, it was a dinosaur.

ANNE ROBINSON: In science, what is botany the study of?
CONTESTANT: Bottoms.

JAMIE THEAKSTON: Do you know where Cambridge University is?
CONTESTANT [laughing]: No, geography is not my strong point.
JAMIE THEAKSTON: There’s a clue in its title.
CONTESTANT: Er . . . Leicester?

STEVE WRIGHT: In 1863, which American president gave the Gettysburg Address?
CONTESTANT: I don’t know, it was before I was born.

LES DENNIS: Name a game you can play in the bath.
CONTESTANT: Scuba diving.

CHRIS SEARLE: In which European country is Mount Etna?
CONTESTANT: Japan.
CHRIS SEARLE: I did say which European country, so in case you didn’t hear that, I can let you try again.
CONTESTANT: Er . .. Mexico?

LES DENNIS: Name something ­people believe in but cannot see.
CONTESTANT: Hitler.

There are many more at the link. Good for many a laugh!

Peter