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Who's on first?

Just about the greatest comedy routine ever, by comedians Abbot and Costello, with Abott telling Costello the names of the players.

In this context, the first baseman is named "Who"; thus, the utterance "Who's on first" is ambiguous between the question ("which person is the first baseman?") and the answer ("Who is the name of the first baseman.").

"Costello: Whats the guy's name on first base?
Abott:What is the guy's name on second base
Costello: Im not asking you Who's on second!
Abott: Who's on first!
Costello: I dont know!
Abott: He's on third, we are not talking about him."

"That Who's on first? Routine always makes me lol"

by AJ Molina October 20, 2008

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