Nobody Expects… The English Subjunctive!

Have you ever watched something so absurd, so British, and so funny that you had to rewind just to laugh again? That’s Monty Python for you — a comedy group from the UK that shaped generations of British humor.

Today, we’re taking a look at a short but iconic sketch:

🎬 The Spanish Inquisition – Monty Python

Catchphrase:
“Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition!”

Let’s break it down for our lovely English learners 🇪🇸➡️🇬🇧

🕵️ What’s the joke?

The Spanish Inquisition was a serious (and terrifying) part of history — a Catholic institution from Spain that punished heresy and was known for sudden and cruel investigations.

Monty Python takes that scary historical idea and makes it ridiculous:

  • The inquisitors randomly appear in modern situations.
  • They’re completely useless.
  • They use “soft cushions” and “a comfy chair” as torture devices 🤣.

🧠 Vocabulary Boost

English Word/PhraseSpanish EquivalentNotes
InquisitionInquisiciónHistorical context
Expect (v)EsperarNobody expects… = Nadie espera…
HeresyHerejíaUsed in religious contexts
ComfyCómodoInformal word for “comfortable”
Sketch (comedy)Sketch, escena cómicaA short comedy scene

🧑‍🏫 Grammar Fun: Let’s Talk Subjunctive!

At one point, a character says something like:

“If only I had expected the Spanish Inquisition…”

🔍 That’s the past subjunctive!

We use it for unreal situations, like:

  • If I were rich…
  • If he had studied, he would have passed.

Even though this sketch is all silliness, it hides a real grammar gem!

🎥 Watch It!

Here’s the original sketch on YouTube:
📺 Watch Monty Python – The Spanish Inquisition

🗣️ Let’s Practice!

Try making your own joke using this structure:

“Nobody expects the _________!”

Example:

“Nobody expects the English homework!”

📝 Final Thought

Monty Python reminds us that language doesn’t have to be boring.
In fact, the weirder it gets, the better you remember it.

So next time someone says “Nobody expects…”, you’ll smile — because you do. 😉