What does "the whole kit and caboodle" mean — and why is it funny?

informal

Meaning

Everything; the entire collection of things, with nothing left out.

Where it comes from

An American phrase from the 1800s. 'Kit' meant a soldier's or worker's set of gear, and 'caboodle' was older slang for a whole bunch or crowd.

Why it is funny

The humor is almost entirely in the sound. 'Kit and caboodle' is so bouncy and ridiculous to say that the phrase feels like a small celebration of the word 'caboodle' having survived at all.

Used in a sentence

"When they moved house they sold the whole kit and caboodle."