Many years ago, I discovered that mice could climb string while cockroaches could not. Cockroaches could climb walls while mice could not. This explains why rat would be great at rappelling.
Wouldn’t the joke make more sense if Goat had said “repelling”? Then the 3rd panel is when Rat realizes that Goat said “repelling” rather than “rappelling”. As is, it doesn’t make much sense.
So while Rat awaits his Lyft ride to the recreation center, stay tuned for another episode of “Rocky Rodent Road,”when we hear Rat wonder, ‘Maybe I should’ve started with the spelunking class.’
I’ve read every reply. Still don’t get it. I don’t think “repelling” vs “rappelling” is the key. And EVERYBODY knows what “rappelling” is, unless you are Norwegian or something. So it isn’t a dictionary look-up test. Perhaps we are part of a great experiment to see how many people write in and question what the heck the comic is about? Could that be Mr. Pastis’ goal?
I took it as referring to the safety line often worn while rock-climbing. Goat is so sure that Rat will be bad at rock-climbing, he’s guaranteed to fall, so he’s actually going to be going rappelling.
I came to see if there was something on the sidewalk, for me, the pronunciation of repelling isn’t all that close to rappelling, but that is probably what the joke is. This could give us a clue as to Pastis dialect of english.
BE THIS GUY about 5 years ago
Maybe Goat should have said abseiling.
Martin I about 5 years ago
It means Rat is rappellent
Templo S.U.D. about 5 years ago
“Rappelling”? I’m as dumbfounded as Rat in the final panel.
zekepotato about 5 years ago
rappel – descend a rock face or other near-vertical surface by using a doubled rope coiled around the body and fixed at a higher point.
B UTTONS about 5 years ago
Rat’s nose is bound to meet a new face.
Bilan about 5 years ago
Even knowing what rappelling means, it’s not clear why Rat is pausing in panel 3.
Did he not understand that he also has to come down?
sirbadger about 5 years ago
Many years ago, I discovered that mice could climb string while cockroaches could not. Cockroaches could climb walls while mice could not. This explains why rat would be great at rappelling.
enigmamz about 5 years ago
A “Sound Like” joke? Not so good in print.
unfair.de about 5 years ago
As a goat he knows quite well about mountaineering.
sdl1510 about 5 years ago
If it requires explanation and work it is not funny.
javiercopi about 5 years ago
Repelling alright
Troglodyte about 5 years ago
Looks like it’s a slow day at the office for Mr. Pastis – too much work trying to understand the deeper mystic meaning of today’s strip!
Breadboard about 5 years ago
So that is what a lost Rat looks like ! ………. Croc Power !
chris_o42 about 5 years ago
Sounds about right!
Dom999 about 5 years ago
Wouldn’t the joke make more sense if Goat had said “repelling”? Then the 3rd panel is when Rat realizes that Goat said “repelling” rather than “rappelling”. As is, it doesn’t make much sense.
Andrew Sleeth about 5 years ago
So while Rat awaits his Lyft ride to the recreation center, stay tuned for another episode of “Rocky Rodent Road,”when we hear Rat wonder, ‘Maybe I should’ve started with the spelunking class.’
Bookworm about 5 years ago
Heaven help me. I thought it was pretty funny.
Lou about 5 years ago
I saw what you did there, Pastis
Radish the wordsmith about 5 years ago
Don’t bring Rat down.
DaveLarue about 5 years ago
I’ve read every reply. Still don’t get it. I don’t think “repelling” vs “rappelling” is the key. And EVERYBODY knows what “rappelling” is, unless you are Norwegian or something. So it isn’t a dictionary look-up test. Perhaps we are part of a great experiment to see how many people write in and question what the heck the comic is about? Could that be Mr. Pastis’ goal?
Agapostemon about 5 years ago
This is what happens when Pastis refrains from beating a pun about the head and shoulders.
codedaddy about 5 years ago
Since rock-climbing has nothing to do with rappelling or repelling, the attempted joke is off on the wrong foot (heh heh).
belgarathmth about 5 years ago
I took it as referring to the safety line often worn while rock-climbing. Goat is so sure that Rat will be bad at rock-climbing, he’s guaranteed to fall, so he’s actually going to be going rappelling.
Grover St. Clair about 5 years ago
As someone who has been told similar things, I would think Rat would be proud.
Al Nala about 5 years ago
Rat IS “repelling”.
Hello zeeba neighba about 5 years ago
wait is that a joke about “repelling” or am I missing the point?
eladee AKA Wally about 5 years ago
Sounds a bit like repelling. Rat just got it!!!
Sisyphos about 5 years ago
Don’t give up now, Rat!
rshive about 5 years ago
Have to keep the words small and easy.
bunwarpgazoo Premium Member about 5 years ago
glowing-steak32 about 5 years ago
…waaaaaaait…
abesure about 5 years ago
It takes skills and technique to climb but all Rat has to do to descend is to let go and gravity will do the rest.
BOSFLASH about 5 years ago
Repelling vs. rappelling is food for thought.
Glammerocity about 5 years ago
I reject rock-climbing. Deal with it.
scrimblo almost 5 years ago
Rock climbing is fun!