ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Chastushka

A chastushka is a type of short and funny poem that is popular in Russia. It's like a little song that people like to sing or recite.

Imagine a very short story or a little rhyming poem that usually has four lines. The first two lines set up the story or topic, and the last two lines deliver a punchline or a surprise ending.

For example:

In the forest, there lived a bear
He loved to comb his fuzzy hair
But one day, he lost his brush
Now he's bald, and he's feeling mush.

Chastushkas are usually pretty easy to remember, so people can share them with each other for fun or to make each other laugh. They often rhyme and use a lot of wordplay, which can be clever and amusing.

Many people in Russia enjoy composing chastushkas, and there are even competitions to see who can come up with the best ones. Even though they are short and simple, they can be a fun way to express creativity and humor.