"I shot him the bird" is a playful phrase that can be interpreted literally or as a figurative gesture. In the context of the quote, it humorously hints at both meanings, where the speaker might have used a bird as an actual shot or made a rude hand gesture. The joke lies in the double entendre, which is common in witty or sarcastic expressions.

The quote is from James Patterson's book, The Angel Experiment, suggesting a light-hearted or humorous moment within the story. The addition of the aside "{Get it? I shot him the-never mind.}" emphasizes the pun and invites the reader to appreciate the clever wordplay, blending humor with the narrative context.