"Why, I'd horse-whip you if I had a horse"

Groucho Marx was understood for his amusing and ironical humor. This quote is an ideal example of his design. He is suggesting that he would punish the individual he is talking to if he had the methods to do so. He is suggesting that he would utilize a horse to whip the individual, which is an old-fashioned type of penalty. This quote is amusing because it is an exaggeration of the penalty he would give. It is also a way of expressing his displeasure of the individual he is speaking to. The quote is a humorous method of expressing his displeasure and disapproval of the individual he is speaking to. It is a method of revealing his aggravation and anger without actually needing to turn to physical violence.