"Went to the corner shop—bought four corners” is on several lists of the funniest jokes of all time. The joke has been credited to British prop comedian Tommy Cooper (1921-1984), but it’s uncertain when he first said it.
Wikipedia: Tommy Cooper
Thomas Frederick “Tommy” Cooper (19 March 1921 – 15 April 1984) was a British prop comedian and magician.
Google Books
The Mammoth Book of Great British Humor
Edited by Michael Powell
Philadelphia, PA: Running Press
2010
Pg. 462:
Went to the corner shop – bought four corners.
Tommy Cooper
The Telegraph (UK)
Tommy Cooper dominates list of best jokes
Heard the one about two aerials meeting on a roof, falling in love, and getting married? The ceremony was rubbish but the reception was brilliant.
By Peter Hutchison9:45PM BST 21 Oct 2010
(...)
48. Went to the corner shop - bought 4 corners.
Twitter
Peter Kerridge
@PeterKerridge_
Just been to the corner shop. Bought four corners.
#shopping
12:30 PM - 23 Oct 2011
Google Books
More One Liners, Jokes and Gags
By Grant Tucker
Lodon: The Robson Press
2013
Pg. ?:
Went to the corner shop – bought four corners.
Google Groups: GayToday
TOP 50 JOKES OF ALL TIME
mokemoke
Apr 23. 2014
(...)
48 Went to the corner shop - bought four corners.
Above, a 1934 plaque from the Big Apple Night Club at West 135th Street and Seventh Avenue in Harlem. Discarded as trash in 2006. Now a Popeyes fast food restaurant on Google Maps.
Recent entries:
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“I am presently experiencing life at a rate of several WTFs per hour” (6/4)
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“I am currently experiencing life at a rate of several WTFs per hour” (6/4)
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More new entries...
Above, Big Apple Corner at 54th Street and Broadway in Manhattan. Google Maps.
Above, John J. Fitz Gerald, from the Aug. 15, 1931, Binghamton (NY) Press, pg. 14.
Listen to Robert Emmerich introduce "The Big Apple," a hit song from 1937. Music written by Bob and performed by Tommy Dorsey's Clambake Seven with Bob on piano. Lyrics written by Buddy Bernier and sung by Edythe Wright. Audio provided by Dorothy Emmerich.
Also listen to a 1937 "The Big Apple" song by Ozzie Nelson and his Orchestra. See a 1929 photo of John J. Fitz Gerald and a 1931 photo of John J. Fitz Gerald.
This site is edited by Barry Popik.