Symphony in Slang is a one-of-a-kind animated short directed by Tex Avery that turns everyday slang into literal visual gags. Told in flashback form, the story follows a man named John as he recounts his life to Saint Peter and Noah Webster at the Pearly Gates, only to confuse them with his modern slang expressions.
Every phrase John uses, like “I was in a pickle” or “my boss flipped his lid”, is illustrated literally, leading to a rapid-fire stream of hilarious, surreal images. The short showcases Tex Avery’s razor-sharp timing, wit, and groundbreaking animation style.
🎬 Why is it worth watching?
- A masterclass in visual wordplay
- Directed by legendary animator Tex Avery
- Uniquely stylized art by Louis and Ben Shenkman
- Clever commentary on language, culture, and communication
- A timeless favorite for fans of linguistic humor and creative animation
🎨 Trivia:
- Features a minimalist, modern art style uncommon in 1950s cartoons
- The voice of John is performed by John Brown, known for radio roles
- Though the slang is dated, the humor still resonates today
- Often used in animation classes to teach timing and gag construction