Nashville, TN—Local man Evan Simmons, 27, has found a new way to grab attention this summer, and it has nothing to do with TikTok trends or dubious food challenges. In a daring attempt to get people to repeat his “brilliant” pun, Simmons has taken to wearing a heavy winter jacket everywhere he goes in the scorching July heat. His mission? To make strangers utter the phrase “take jacket off,” allowing him to smoothly respond, “You mean Jack it off?!”
“I knew it was crazy, but sometimes you have to suffer for your art,” said Simmons, wiping a bead of sweat from his forehead during a 96-degree day. “When people finally say it, the look of realization on their faces is totally worth the heatstroke.”
Simmons first tested his joke on unsuspecting patrons at a local coffee shop, where the air conditioning was minimal and sympathy was abundant. “He looked like he was about to faint, so I told him to take his jacket off,” said barista Claire Adams. “And then he got this weird, victorious grin and said, ‘Jack it off? I don’t do that in public!’ I think it was a joke, but honestly, I just felt bad for him.”
But Simmons insists his endeavor is no mere joke—it’s a bold social experiment. “We’re living in a world where puns are underappreciated,” he explained. “I’m here to remind people that wordplay is still alive, even if I’m not.”
Psychologists have weighed in on the phenomenon, labeling it “Extreme Dad Joke Syndrome,” or EDJS, a condition characterized by unbearable puns that make you question whether laughter is worth the discomfort. “It's a rare but documented case where humor attempts actually decrease social interactions,” said Dr. Patricia Lenz, who specializes in bizarre forms of antisocial behavior.
Despite this, Simmons is not deterred. He plans to keep the bit going, even considering upgrading to a ski parka for “maximum pun power.” However, sources close to the situation report that Simmons' friends have staged an intervention, recommending a switch to a lighter gag, like pretending to read thick books upside down.
When asked if he’d finally ditch the jacket, Simmons shook his head defiantly. “I can't stop now. It’s about the principle. Besides, someone just asked me to 'zip it,' and I think I’m onto something.”
Remember, folks: summer heat may come and go, but bad puns are forever. Wake up, people—this could be your future too.
