An anti-proverb or a perverb is the transformation of a standard proverb for humorous effect. Paremiologist Wolfgang Mieder defines them as "parodied, twisted, or fractured proverbs that reveal humorous or satirical speech play with traditional proverbial wisdom". Anti-proverbs are ancient, Aristophanes having used one in his play Peace, substituting κώẟων "bell" for κύων "bitch, female dog", twisting the standard and familiar "The hasty bitch gives birth to blind" to "The hasty bellfinch gives birth to blind".
A fishing pun on the proverb "Good things come to those who wait."
Graphic spoof on the proverbial concept of "big fish eat little fish", from Spanish context. (The text translates as "Don't panic, organize!")
T-shirts are common sites for anti-proverbs
A proverb or an adage is a simple, traditional saying that expresses a perceived truth based on common sense or experience. Proverbs are often metaphorical and are an example of formulaic language. A proverbial phrase or a proverbial expression is a type of a conventional saying similar to proverbs and transmitted by oral tradition. The difference is that a proverb is a fixed expression, while a proverbial phrase permits alterations to fit the grammar of the context. Collectively, they form a genre of folklore.
From the French proverbial phrase "Je me mêle des oies ferrées" – "I concern myself/meddle with shoeing geese." From a misericord at the Abbey of Saint Martin aux Bois (Oise), France
"Pearls before Swine", Latin proverb on platter at the Louvre
"Who will bell the cat?", comes from the end of a story.
A rolling stone gathers no moss.