The solution to the riddle “Why did the cow want a divorce?” typically hinges on a pun or wordplay related to bovine characteristics or farm life. The answer often plays on the word “pasture,” suggesting infidelity as the reason for the marital dissolution. For example, a common solution is: “She said he was always out in another pasture.” This response utilizes the double meaning of “pasture” to imply both a physical location and an act of unfaithfulness.
Understanding the intended comedic effect relies on recognizing the wordplay. These types of riddles serve primarily as entertainment, encouraging lighthearted amusement and clever thinking. Historically, such jokes and riddles have been a staple of informal social interaction and storytelling, providing a simple form of amusement across different cultures and age groups. The value lies in the clever connection established between the question and the surprising, often unexpected, solution.