XKommunication - (Noun) The process of attempting (and usually failing) to explain an XKCD webcomic to your non-geek friends and family.

I saw this comic a couple of days ago and what was so hilarious was later that day after I returned home from work, my wife was explaining Poe and The Telltale Heart to my 11-year-old son. Naturally, I wanted to share this particular comic, and I got that excited feeling you get when you have something neat to share and you are looking forward to seeing the other person smile or laugh along with you. But then, just a moment later, it hit me. Crap, this is XKCD! There is no chance in hell that my wife will appreciate the joke, and my son won't either! My face fell with the realization. I had a choice--attempt the xkommunication, or just look at the comic once more by myself and move on.

For some reason, I decided to make the attempt. You can guess the results. It went something like this:

Me: Honey, I overheard you talking to our son about The Telltale Heart. You know what is so funny? I saw a comic today about the same story! Here, check it out! [Hal shows his wife the comic on his phone, smiling tentatively.]

Wife: [long pause] Who is Daft Punk? This doesn't make sense!

Me: I don't know, it doesn't matter, really. See, by the context you can tell they must be a techno band or something. Oh, I forgot to show you the hover text, it gets even funnier! Usher! House/Trance band? [Hal giggles a few times, obviously enjoying the comic all over again.]

Wife: That is the stupidest thing ever.

Hal: [Sighs.] Nevermind, sorry. I though it was funny.

I really should have known better.