Multi-Level Meta Joke

[Mince]

A woman walks into a bar and asks the bartender for a free drink. The bartender says, "I'll give you a free drink if you can tell me a multi-level meta joke." So the woman says, "A guy walks into a bar and asks the bartender for a free drink. The bartender says, "I'll give you a free drink if you can tell me a meta joke." So the guy says, "A woman walks into a bar and asks the bartender for a free drink. The bartender says, "I'll give you a free drink if you can tell me a good joke." So the woman says, "What do you do when you see a spaceman? You park, man." So the bartender gives her a free beer." So the bartender gives him a free beer." So the bartender gives her a free beer.

[Roger Kettle]

I accept that I'm speaking for myself here but...what?

[Tarquin Thunderthighs lll]

Roger, let me try to help you here.

Mad as the proverbial hatter.

Hope that helps.

[Roger Kettle]

Yes, it does. Thank you.

[Mince]

Okay, I'll use indents and colour to help the lid-challenged understand.

===================================================================

A woman walks into a bar and asks the bartender for a free drink.

The bartender says, "I'll give you a free drink if you can tell me a multi-level meta joke."

So the woman says, "

        A guy walks into a bar and asks the bartender for a free drink.

        The bartender says, "I'll give you a free drink if you can tell me a meta joke."

        So the guy says, "

                A woman walks into a bar and asks the bartender for a free drink.

                The bartender says, "I'll give you a free drink if you can tell me a good joke."

                So the woman says, "What do you do when you see a spaceman? You park, man."

                So the bartender gives her a free beer.

        "

        So the bartender gives him a free beer.

"

So the bartender gives her a free beer.

[Tarquin Thunderthighs lll]

Psst, Roger - you distract him, and I’ll call an ambulance…

[Mince]

How difficult is this? Fine! Let me explain using pseudo-code.


function meta(meta_level){

    if (meta_level == 0){

             guy.say(bartender).about(SPACE_MAN);

             bartender.say(guy).about(PARK_MAN);

             return FREE_DRINK;

    }
   
    guy.walkInto(bar);

    guy.say(bartender).about(FREE_DRINK);

    bartender.say(guy).about(META_JOKE);
   
    return meta(meta_level - 1);

}

[Tarquin Thunderthighs lll]

We might need assistance. I’ll call another ambulance.

[Diane CBPFC]

Oh, you are so clever Mince - you should spread that around a few more forums. 

[Mince]

Is that your polite way of saying bugger off? 

[Diane CBPFC]

Is that your polite way of saying bugger off? 

I've never been accused of being polite before.