h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Six years ago, I sat on a bus. Then suddenly somebody popped a question that has been the great uh? in my life ever since. Wherever I go, this question follows me unanswered, and of all the people I have met so far in my life, no-one have been able to help me find the secret behind this mysterious assembly of words.

Actually, the quistion was not for me, I just overheared a conversation on this bus. A guy wanted to test the cleverness of his friend, and uthered these words, which is the question for you today, my dear h2g2-friends: "What's yellow when it's alone?"

The friend failed terribly by answering: "The sun???", and then the two guys disappeared. Can anybody help me? Anybody at all? I hope so, 'cause I can bear being unknowing for another six years...

I read your question and immediately thought--green without blue.

Hey,at least I gave it a shot!

A coward? Though some cowards are yeller even when they're with other folks (cf Scooby and Shaggy)...

Good answer... I can live with that. But I don't think that's what the guy on the bus had in mind. Any other suggestions?

This is an important question. Ireally hope you get an answer to it soon. K

Just checking (in case it's a language-specific puzzle) The original question _was_ in English, wasn't it?

I choose to help Kjell to answer the last question.
Well, the original question was in Norwegian, accually.
(Hva er det som er gult når det er alene?)

Ahhh... I think that rather reduces my chances of answering if it's based on synonyms, etc. or local general knowledge.
However, even assuming it _is_ a puzzle that can withstand translation, I admit I havent thought of anything yet - my best guess so far (though not particularly funny) is 'a bully or a fascist', but that does sound rather lame.

My eyes are scarrd forever!!!! Why did i search for an old thread!?!!! I need to know the answer so that my life will not be a constant search for something on its own with a yellow colour

See what trouble it's gotten you into, FB?

I think its a fish.

Possibly a Siamese Fighting Fish.

I'm sure there is some fish that is plain yellow, until another of its species is introduced, when it starts to form a colourful display.

I know Silva, I promise not to do it ever again!

or at least never again until i get bored of current ask questions

I think the answer is yellow. When yellow is alone or in company it's still yellow.

Do we infer the question is really

"what is yellow ONLY when it is alone" ?

I think you could be right, it might be a trick question...

It might be a trick question, or it might be a lemon.

nah, it's a tomato fruit!

You did ask for that

*studies fingernails with concentration trying not to laugh*

Maybe it's one of those philosophy questions, like the tree falling. If this thing is alone how do you know it's yellow?