| Quarreling Mr. Punch and Judy Swazzle | |
|---|---|
|
Origin |
Mr. Punch and Judy |
|
Type |
Vocal Changer |
|
Effects |
Makes one’s voice constantly high pitched |
|
Downsides |
Causes spousal disagreements |
|
Activation |
Making noise |
|
Collected by |
Warehouse 12 |
|
Section |
|
|
Date of Collection |
1/25/1834 |
| [Source] | |
Origin[]
Punch and Judy is a traditional puppet show featuring Mr. Punch and his wife Judy. The performance consists of a sequence of short scenes, each depicting an interaction between two characters, most typically the anarchic Mr. Punch and one other character who usually falls victim to the intentional violence of Punch's slapstick. The various episodes of Punch comedy—often provoking shocked laughter—are dominated by the clowning of Mr. Punch.
In the British Punch and Judy show, Punch speaks in a distinctive squawking voice, produced by a contrivance known as a swazzle or swatchel which the professor holds in his mouth, transmitting his gleeful cackle. (A swazzle is a device made of two strips of metal bound around a cotton tape reed.) The swazzle must be soaked in liquor, beer, water, or saliva before use. The swazzle is positioned between the tongue and the roof of the mouth so that exhaled air passes between the two metal strips, causing the reed to vibrate and shake. Deft movements of the tongue allow the professor to move the swazzle in and out of position, allowing them to switch between voices.
Effects[]
Playing by either placing in mouther or making vibrate rapidly will turns user’s voice shrill and annoying, like a jester or squeaky door. Causes one to argue with their spouse or partner, often resulting in high-pitched squealing and catfights to vent any frustration, especially at their newfound falsetto.