What do you call a can opener that doesn't work?

This little gem gets its laugh from some classic wordplay, cleverly twisting the name of the tool itself. A "can opener" is meant to open a can (the container), but the punchline hinges on the other meaning of "can"—the one referring to ability. By rebranding the useless gadget as a "can't opener," the joke points out its spectacular failure in the most literal way possible. It’s a perfect example of a simple, groan-worthy pun that you can't help but smile at.

The frustration behind this joke is also surprisingly historical. For nearly 50 years after the metal can was invented, there was no dedicated can opener. The original instructions often advised people to use a hammer and chisel to get to the food inside! That makes the struggle with a modern, flimsy opener seem a bit less dramatic. So the next time you're faced with a stubborn can, just be glad the solution is a better tool and not a trip to the hardware store.