"I have the body of an eighteen year old. I keep it in the fridge"

Spike Milligan's quote, "I have the body of an eighteen year old. I keep it in the fridge," is a quintessential example of his unique brand name of surreal and dark humor. Understood for his prominent work in the world of funny, Milligan's capability to blend the absurd with the humorous shines through in this declaration. At its core, the quote plays on the literal and the metaphorical to produce an unexpected and amusing image that both shocks and intrigues the audience.

Milligan begins with a setup that is seemingly typical-- a boast about having the body of an eighteen-year-old, which in normal discussions describes having younger vitality or physical conditioning. This is a trope frequently used to convey health, vigor, or to humorously exaggerate one's physical state. However, Milligan immediately overturns this expectation with the punchline, "I keep it in the refrigerator." This twist transforms the statement from a self-congratulatory remark into a macabre joke.

The imagery evoked by the concept of literally keeping a young person's body in a refrigerator presents a dark, surreal aspect. It lines up with Milligan's penchant for the unforeseen and his ability in pushing comedy into unusual, boundary-pushing areas. Such a juxtaposition triggers laughter, not from the congruity of the image, but from its absurdity and the audacity of the psychological image it paints. It highlights his mastery in crafting humor that discomforts while also entertaining, a trademark of surreal comedic style.

Moreover, the quote can be considered as a satirical commentary on society's fascination with youth and durability. By minimizing the principle of maintaining a youthful body to the grotesque absurdity of keeping it in a refrigerator, Milligan skillfully critiques how far individuals want to go to protect youthfulness, therefore adding another layer to the humor.

Eventually, this quote encapsulates Spike Milligan's legacy as a pioneer of unconventional funny, showing his capability to turn easy ideas into complex, thought-provoking humor that withstands in its wit and imagination.