I've always wanted to go to Switzerland to see what the army does with those wee red knives.

In this quote, Billy Connolly humorously plays on the well-known reputation of Swiss army knives and the country’s association with its neutral stance in global conflicts. The phrase "those wee red knives" refers to the iconic Swiss Army knives, which are compact, multi-functional tools known for their versatility. Connolly's remark is a playful way of questioning what the Swiss army does with such a seemingly simple tool, given the complex and serious nature of military operations. The humor lies in the absurdity of imagining a powerful military using something as modest as a pocket knife in its work.

Connolly’s quote also reflects his characteristic witty and irreverent humor, often making light of serious subjects. By referring to the Swiss army as using "wee red knives," he pokes fun at the contrast between the traditionally peaceful and neutral image of Switzerland and the idea of an army, which is typically associated with weaponry and force. This blending of light-hearted humor with a touch of satire is typical of Connolly’s comedic style.

The origin of the quote comes from Billy Connolly, a Scottish comedian and actor known for his sharp observational humor and distinctive storytelling style. Connolly often blends cultural references and personal anecdotes to explore larger social issues with humor. In this case, he uses the Swiss army knife—a symbol of practicality and neutrality—as a comedic device to comment on the peculiarities of the Swiss military. This quote exemplifies Connolly’s ability to take something as simple as a pocket knife and use it to spark a humorous reflection on broader cultural concepts.