March 29, 2024

XKCD Web Comic #1090: Formal Languages (described)

A web comic of romance,
sarcasm, math, and language.

Formal Grammar
 

 

 

 

 
 
 
 

A large banner reading “10th Annual Symposium on Formal Languages” hangs over a podium, where a speaker is standing. A stick figure crashes through the left side of the panel, scattering glass.

Figure: Grammar!

The figure runs off the right side of the panel, so swiftly it leaves a cloud of dust in its wake. The speaker at the podium just watches silently.

Hover text: [audience looks around] “What just happened?” “There must be some context we’re missing.”

Warning: This comic occasionally contains strong language (which may be unsuitable for children), unusual humor (which may be unsuitable for adults), and advanced mathematics (which may be unsuitable for liberal-arts majors).