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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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..the British sense of humour?
From another thread, I read lots about being proud of it, is it piss taking, sarcasm, observational, silly..or something else?
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Dry, sarcastic, definitely piss taking, especially in a self deprecation sort of way. I always feel like British humour is more clever too, not sure why and don't like to stereotype, but it isn't just silly stuff. It's witty.
I do miss the way of British people since I've left the UK. I definitely notice the difference compared to where I am now. |
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"Dry, sarcastic, definitely piss taking, especially in a self deprecation sort of way. I always feel like British humour is more clever too, not sure why and don't like to stereotype, but it isn't just silly stuff. It's witty.
I do miss the way of British people since I've left the UK. I definitely notice the difference compared to where I am now. "
Bill Bryson once wrote that for Americans, having a good sense of humour is a nice skill, but in no way essential - like speaking German, say, or playing the cello. In Britain, though, being told that one has no sense of humour is worse than being told one is bad in bed. It is existential. As a result, humour is woven through everyday discourse. Even our horror films contain humour. We vote for politicians who seem to have an eye for a laugh,often to our detriment.
As with any broad brush judgement, it is simplistic. But it captures, I think, something true. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I've lived in a few other countries and I'd say British humour is more verbal than physical in comparison, with lots of clever wordplay and disguised meanings. Maybe that's why the most popular British comedians abroad are the very physical ones, like Mr Bean or Benny Hill ? |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Dry, sarcastic, definitely piss taking, especially in a self deprecation sort of way. I always feel like British humour is more clever too, not sure why and don't like to stereotype, but it isn't just silly stuff. It's witty.
I do miss the way of British people since I've left the UK. I definitely notice the difference compared to where I am now.
Bill Bryson once wrote that for Americans, having a good sense of humour is a nice skill, but in no way essential - like speaking German, say, or playing the cello. In Britain, though, being told that one has no sense of humour is worse than being told one is bad in bed. It is existential. As a result, humour is woven through everyday discourse. Even our horror films contain humour. We vote for politicians who seem to have an eye for a laugh,often to our detriment.
As with any broad brush judgement, it is simplistic. But it captures, I think, something true."
Now trying to think of all the funny politicians...  |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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We don’t zoom in to the punchline. It’s there, but it’s sometimes subtle. It’s still dry/sarcastic/wacky and all that, but the humour is for the listener or viewer to find. We don’t point at it. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"
Now trying to think of all the funny politicians...
I think he is less funny than a morgue, but millions of people thought Johnson was 'a good laugh'. "
Oh yes, he had it all figured out years ago when he started appearing on Have I Got News For You.
And so many bought it. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I think people have pretty much covered it above. Cutting sarcasm and wit, self deprecation, piss-taking and clever word play pretty much sums it up. Unfortunately it still doesn't explain Michael McIntyre  |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I think people have pretty much covered it above. Cutting sarcasm and wit, self deprecation, piss-taking and clever word play pretty much sums it up. Unfortunately it still doesn't explain Michael McIntyre "
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"..the British sense of humour?
From another thread, I read lots about being proud of it, is it piss taking, sarcasm, observational, silly..or something else?
"
I'm guessing seeing the funny side of everything, so sarcasm, irony, tragic etc  |
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