What does the number twenty-two mean?  Firstly, we look at the dictionary definition:  “1:  a number that is one number more than twenty-one; 2:  a .22 caliber firearm ”  (Merriam-Webster Dictionary.)  I believe the definition could have been improved by adding “and one less than twenty-three to put things in perspective — a disappointing start that hardly advances any narrative.       

Besides the firearm reference, the numeral twenty-two achieved considerable notoriety in 1961 through the famous novelette by Joseph Heller, Catch 22, defined as  “A dilemma or difficult circumstances from which there is no escape because of mutually conflicting or dependent conditions.”  (dictionary.com)  

The term Catch 22, essentially describes a dilemma or paradoxical situation bound by contradictory rules; for example: a requirement that cannot be met until a prerequisite requirement is met, but the prerequisite cannot be obtained until the original requirement is met.  (urbandictionary.com)   In the book, a combat pilot desired to be removed from combat duty on the ground of insanity, but before he could be removed, he had to request removal, which proved that he was sane because only sane pilots would make such a request. 

While Catch 22 remains a “catchy” phrase, it lacks significance for the numeral “22’?  Why not “Catch 23, or “Catch 19?”  I suppose that the balance of each “2” bears some meaning; but if that is the case, then why not “Catch 11” or Catch 33?”  Why did Heller chose twenty-two?  Did it exist before he wrote about it?  Lets examine further:

The Urban Dictionary, an enlightening reference for slang terms, defines “twenty-two” as “when a man is kicked in the testicles . . .” (urbandictionary.com)  Oooh, how that must hurt!  Rather than a “Catch 22,” however, it signifies catching two at an inopportune moment.   

In 2013, a well-known Pop singer sang about twenty-two:

“I don’t know about you, 

But I’m feeling 22. 

Everything will be alright,

If you keep me next to you…

22, ooh ooh; 22, ooh ooh.”

Actually, the song lyrics leave me wanting, because one could insert any double digit number under 70 and achieve the same result — unless, of course, the singer had just experienced the Urban Dictionary definition for twenty-two.