How to write a limerick

Published December 5, 2019 | By 21daychange

How to Write Limericks: A Step-by-Step Guide to Writing Humorous and Playful Poems

A limerick is a short, whimsical poem consisting of five lines following a rhyming scheme and syllable pattern. These poems originated in the Irish city of Limerick and are well-liked for their lighthearted amusement. They are frequently funny, playful, and occasionally a little ridiculous. Limericks may be a creative and enjoyable way to express ideas or amuse others. The formula is straightforward but precise.

Key Takeaways:

Rhyme Scheme and Structure: Limericks follow a strict AABBA rhyme scheme, meaning that the first, second, and fifth lines rhyme, while the third and fourth lines form their rhyming pair. The syllable pattern typically follows an 8-8-5-5-8 format, contributing to the poem’s rhythmic flow. Mastering this structure is crucial to creating a proper limerick.
Humor and Playfulness: One of the hallmarks of a great limerick is its lighthearted, humorous nature. Whether you’re writing about an absurd situation or making a witty observation, the tone should remain playful. Limericks thrive on wordplay, puns, and unexpected twists that make readers smile or laugh.
Simplicity and Precision: Limericks are only five lines long, so every word counts. The brevity of the form forces you to be concise and precise with your language. A well-crafted limerick balances clarity, rhythm, and humor while adhering to its structural constraints.

Limerick Structure

A limerick’s charm lies in its simplicity, making it easily recognizable and fun to write. However, adhering to its structure is essential for maintaining its unique rhythm and playful feel. Below, we break down the key elements of the structure.

AABBA Rhyme Scheme

The limerick follows a distinctive AABBA rhyme scheme, where:

Line 1, Line 2, and Line 5 end with words that rhyme with each other.
Line 3 and Line 4 rhyme, forming a separate rhyming pair.

This structure creates a rhythmic flow that eases the reader through the poem, setting up humor or wordplay in the final line.

Here’s an example:

Line	Content	Rhyme
Line 1	There once was a man from Peru	(A)
Line 2	Who dreamed he was eating his shoe	(A)
Line 3	He awoke with a fright	(B)
Line 4	In the middle of the night	(B)
Line 5	To find that his dream had come true!	(A)

In this example:

Lines 1, 2, and 5 rhyme with “Peru” (A).
Lines 3 and 4 rhyme with “fright” (B).

Syllable Pattern

A traditional limerick follows a strict 8-8-5-5-8 syllable pattern, meaning:

Line 1: 8 syllables.
Line 2: 8 syllables.
Line 3: 5 syllables.
Line 4: 5 syllables.
Line 5: 8 syllables.

This syllable pattern creates the bouncy, rhythmic cadence that makes limericks memorable and entertaining.

Line	Content	Syllables
Line 1	There once was a man from Peru	8
Line 2	Who dreamed he was eating his shoe	8
Line 3	He awoke with a fright	5
Line 4	In the middle of the night	5
Line 5	To find that his dream had come true!	8

Notice that the syllable pattern creates a natural flow and rhythm, making the limerick easier to read and more musical.

Five-Line Format

The limerick always consists of five lines, each contributing a different aspect of the story:

Line 1: Introduces the character or situation.
Line 2: Expands on the situation.
Line 3: Develop a twist or unexpected element.
Line 4: Adds detail to the twist or complicates the story.
Line 5: Delivers the punchline or conclusion, often humorously tying the story together.

Each line is short, allowing the writer to tell a complete story or joke within five lines. The structure demands precision in word choice to ensure that the humor, rhyme, and rhythm all work in harmony.

In summary:

The AABBA rhyme scheme is essential for creating a recognizable limerick.
The 8-8-5-5-8 syllable pattern gives it a bouncy and engaging rhythm.
The five-line format provides a quick and complete narrative, often leading to a punchline.

This tight structure ensures that limericks are short, memorable, and enjoyable to read.

Step-by-Step Guide to Writing a Limerick

Crafting a limerick requires adhering to its distinctive structure while weaving in humor or an unexpected twist. The steps below will guide you through writing a limerick, from choosing a subject to delivering the punchline.

Step 1: Choose a Theme or Subject

Limericks are known for their humorous or absurd nature, so selecting a playful or quirky theme works best. However, the subject can be anything from a character, a situation, or even an object. The key is to find a topic that lends itself to a fun or surprising twist.

Tip: Think of everyday situations with a humorous angle or invent a whimsical character (like a man from Peru, a cat on the moon, etc.). The more imaginative, the better!

Step 2: Develop the First Line

The first line sets the scene and introduces your subject. It is also where you establish the rhyme pattern for lines 1, 2, and 5 (AABBA). Focus on describing the main character or the situation in a way that immediately grabs the reader’s attention.

Example: “There once was a man from Peru…”

This line introduces the character and leaves room for developing the narrative.

Step 3: Write the Second Line

The second line should continue the action or description introduced in the first line. It should advance the story while maintaining the rhyme set in the first line, building anticipation for the twist or humor to come.

Example: “Who dreamed he was eating his shoe…”

The second line extends the absurdity or humor, enhancing the setup for the twist.

Step 4: Create the Third and Fourth Lines

The third and fourth lines are shorter, typically having five syllables each, and they introduce a change in the story or a twist in the narrative. These two lines should rhyme but form a separate rhyming pair from the first, second, and fifth lines.

These lines often add tension or humor that sets up the punchline.

Example:
- “He awoke with a fright”
- “In the middle of the night”

These lines change the story’s direction by introducing an unexpected reaction, setting the stage for the final punchline.

Step 5: Conclude with the Fifth Line

The fifth line wraps up the story with a punchline, often delivering the humor or absurdity that makes the limerick memorable. It should rhyme with the first and second lines, bringing the narrative full circle.

Example: “To find that his dream had come true!”

This final line provides the humorous payoff, completing the limerick with a twist.

Example Limerick Using the Steps

Step 1: Choose a Theme: An odd situation involving a man from Peru.
Step 2: Develop the First Line: “There once was a man from Peru…”
Step 3: Write the Second Line: “Who dreamed he was eating his shoe…”
Step 4: Create the Third and Fourth Lines: “He awoke with a fright, In the middle of the night…”
Step 5: Conclude with the Fifth Line: “To find that his dream had come true!”

Additional Tips:

Keep it playful: Humor is critical in limericks, so even severe topics should be approached with whimsy.
Experiment with rhyme: If you get stuck, try a rhyming dictionary or experiment with different endings to your lines.
Practice the rhythm: Read your limerick aloud to ensure the rhythm flows smoothly with the syllable pattern (8-8-5-5-8).

Examples of Limericks

Limericks have been a popular form of poetry for centuries, known for their humor, clever wordplay, and strict adherence to rhyme and rhythm. Below are several famous limericks, with a breakdown of how the rhyme scheme (AABBA) and syllable pattern (8-8-5-5-8) work in practice.

Example 1: Edward Lear’s Classic Limerick

Edward Lear is often credited with popularizing the limerick in the 19th century. His limericks are playful and nonsensical, which adds to their charm.

Limerick:

There was an Old Man with a beard,

Who said, “It is just as I feared!—

Two Owls and a Hen,

Four Larks and a Wren,

Have all built their nests in my beard!”

Dissection:

Line	Content	Syllables	Rhyme
1	There was an Old Man with a beard,	8	(A)
2	Who said, “It is just as I feared!—	8	(A)
3	Two Owls and a Hen,	5	(B)
4	Four Larks and a Wren,	5	(B)
5	Have all built their nests in my beard!”	8	(A)

Analysis:

The AABBA rhyme scheme is perfectly followed, with “beard,” “feared,” and “beard” forming the A rhymes and “Hen” and “Wren” forming the B rhymes.
The 8-8-5-5-8 syllable pattern is maintained, creating the signature rhythm of a limerick.
The humor comes from the absurdity of various birds nesting in the man’s beard, which is revealed in the final line for comedic effect.

Example 2: The Absurd Humor of Limericks

Limericks often employ absurd situations to build humor. Here’s another classic example that uses wordplay to significant effect.

Limerick:

A flea and a fly in a flue

Were caught, so what could they do?

Said the fly, “Let us flee!”

“Let us fly!” said the flea.

So they flew through a flaw in the flue.

Dissection:

Line	Content	Syllables	Rhyme
1	A flea and a fly in a flue	8	(A)
2	Were caught, so what could they do?	8	(A)
3	Said the fly, “Let us flee!”	5	(B)
4	“Let us fly!” said the flea.	5	(B)
5	So they flew through a flaw in the flue	8	(A)

Analysis:

The rhyme scheme and syllable pattern are spot-on, with the A rhymes (flue, do, flue) and B rhymes (flee, flea).
The humor is derived from the wordplay, especially the interchangeable use of “flee” and “fly. ” The punchline comes when they “flew through a flaw in the flue.”
The twist is clever and unexpected, typical of a well-constructed limerick.

Tips for Writing a Great Limerick

Limericks may seem simple, but crafting a great one requires attention to detail and creativity. Here are some essential tips for writing a limerick that stands out:

Keep It Playful

Limericks thrive on humor, absurdity, and whimsy. The more playful your idea, the better it fits the limerick structure. Whether it’s about a character doing something improbable or a situation that turns into nonsense, embracing the ridiculous will give your limerick the charm and fun it’s known for.

Example: “There once was a cat on a broom who flew all around the room!”

Stick to the Rhyme Scheme

The AABBA rhyme scheme is the foundation of every limerick. Sticking to this pattern ensures that the rhythm flows naturally and makes the poem easy to read aloud. With it, the limerick will retain its signature sound.

Tip: Write the first and last lines together since they share the same rhyme. This can help you complete the poem more easily.

Play with Language

Wordplay, puns, and clever twists are the heart of a memorable limerick. These elements add humor and surprise, making the poem enjoyable for both the writer and the reader. Unexpected endings, in particular, can elevate a simple limerick into something extraordinary.

Example: “There was a young man from Tibet whose dog wasn’t house-trained quite yet.”

Be Concise

Limericks are only five lines long, so every word must count. Avoid filler words or complex ideas that can’t be easily expressed within the structure. Keep your language simple and concise, ensuring each line moves the story forward.

Tip: Think of your limerick as a mini-story. Each line should have a clear purpose, building toward the final punchline.

Try Rhyming Dictionaries

Feel free to use a rhyming dictionary if you get stuck on finding the perfect rhyme. It can help you discover new words and rhymes that fit your story and rhyme scheme. There are also online tools that generate rhyming words based on your needs.

Tip: Use this tool for the more challenging lines, like the third and fourth, which can be tricky due to their shorter length and different rhymes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While limericks may be fun and light-hearted, a few common mistakes can disrupt their rhythm or impact their humor. Here’s what to avoid:

Ignoring the Syllable Count

The 8-8-5-5-8 syllable pattern is essential for creating the smooth, rhythmic flow that defines a limerick. Ignoring or miscounting syllables can make the poem sound more comfortable and balanced.

Mistake Example: Writing lines with too many or too few syllables will throw off the rhythm, making the limerick challenging to read aloud.

Forgetting Humor

Limericks are meant to be fun and light-hearted. While serious topics can sometimes be addressed, they should always have a humorous twist or an unexpected punchline. Avoid making the tone too heavy or severe, as this goes against the playful nature of limericks.

Mistake Example: Writing about sad or solemn subjects without a humorous angle can make the limerick feel out of place.

Overcomplicating the Theme

Since limericks are short, the theme or story must be simple enough to fit into five lines. Trying to incorporate too many complex ideas or plot twists can make the limerick confusing or challenging to follow.

Mistake Example: Introducing multiple characters or events that don’t connect clearly can make the limerick feel cluttered.

FAQs

What is the most essential element of a limerick?

The most crucial element of a limerick is its rhyme scheme (AABBA) and consistent syllable count, which create this type of poem’s signature rhythm and flow.

Do limericks always have to be funny?

While limericks are traditionally humorous, they don’t have to be. However, the playful structure lends itself well to comedic or light-hearted themes.

Can you break the rules when writing a limerick?

It’s best to follow the rules (rhyme scheme, syllable count, and format) for a limerick to retain its recognizable form. But, once you understand the structure, you can experiment, though it may become something other than a limerick.

Is it hard to come up with rhymes for a limerick?

It can be challenging, especially when working within the constraints of the rhyme scheme. Rhyming dictionaries and brainstorming sessions can help overcome this obstacle.

Can limericks be used in serious writing?

Although limericks are typically associated with humor and light verse, they can be adapted for more serious themes, though this is less common due to the format’s whimsical nature.

Conclusion

Writing a limerick is a creative and entertaining method for experimenting with wordplay, storytelling, and humor in a structured framework. Following the traditional AABBA rhyme scheme and the 8-8-5-5-8 syllable pattern, you can create engaging, entertaining, delightful poems. Keeping your themes simple and playful, focusing on humor, and using tools like rhyming dictionaries when needed can help you craft a great limerick. Avoid common mistakes such as ignoring the syllable count or overcomplicating the theme; you’ll master the art of limericks in no time. With practice, you’ll find that this quirky form of poetry offers endless possibilities for creative expression.