Help me understand this joke from Chesperito

Question

The guy always says "Digame licenciado". and the other guy always says "Licenciado" and the first guy says "Gracias". I "get" it. that he is saying "Licenciado"..... but what is it supposed to mean? Say I'm licensed? Say I graduated?

Answer 1

"Licenciado/a/os/as" is used in Mexico to address people who have college degrees. An example in the US is the use of "Dr." as a title as well as a profession. "Licenciado" is used as a title.

but why do they keep saying it randomly?? it sounds like a joke that I don't get? Followed by tons of laughs. - jeezzle, Oct 17, 2010

Answer 2

in Mexico, as in many Latin American countries, the Licenciatura is the first higher-education degree awarded at universities, roughly comprising 3.5 to 4.5 years of study, including a provision to practice. For a number of years, presenting a thesis was the only method by which a student could obtain the title of Licenciado (licenciate).

but the joke is in digame.

Answer 3

The joke is the following:

"Dígame, Licenciado" - "Tell me [more about the topic we are discussing], Licenciado".

However, the other person heard "Say to me [the word] "licenciado".

It's a play on words: "decir" - to tell, to say

Oh, digame, Licenciado. - jeezzle, Oct 17, 2010

Right. Seems like you've got it. :-) - Gekkosan, Oct 17, 2010