What exactly is the British sense of humor?

Question

They say Americans just don't get the British sense of humor. I myself spent a few months in England and I have to say I still don't really get it either. Why is it that when my British friends say something they think is funny I don't find it funny at all? Is it because I just don't get it or it's not really funny? When we were watching "Friends" I was the only one who laughed so hard but my friends just sat there.

Guys, examples would be nice.

Answer 1

I dont understand their humor at all. Its so not funny. They do have dry humor, its kinda synical and laughing at people instead of with them, they are totally different than Americans. They tend to look on the bad side of everything. And British people dont smile and theyre not friendly, Its weird.

Answer 2

Interesting question. I guess I "get" the Brittish sense of humor (humour). I love BBC shows..and "The Office". I think it's a more sardonic, and a much drier sense of humor than most have in the U.S.

I don't usually laugh at "Friends". Maybe I should have been born a Brit.

Answer 3

British humor does not make any sense to me either. Part of it is that they use terms that nobody in their right mind is supposed to understand. I guess that their humor is just like their food, bland.

Answer 4

You should watch "The Office"....the BBC version. Its pretty damned funny. Try watching Monty Python too.

Answer 5

because their humor is "dry" or mean spirited, its humor based on someone elses pain or humiliation (american humor is "goofy" most times) , if you watch any british movie you wil see it- theres is cynical and dry humor - but hey they use "bloody" instead of "crummy" so what can you expect right.

Answer 6

i love that monty python thing where the guy takes that big fish and slaps the other guy across the face with it.