Groucho Marx supposedly got the hook while hosting a live broadcast of his famous TV quiz show, You Bet Your Life. As this micro-legend has it, Groucho was small-talking with a female contestant when the following exchange took place:
GROUCHO: So, you got any kids?
FEMALE CONTESTANT: Yes, Groucho, I have eleven children.
GROUCHO: Eleven?! Did you say eleven kids?
FEMALE CONTESTANT: Well, I love my husband.
GROUCHO: Lady, I love my cigar but I take it out of my mouth once in a while.