i've heard quite a lot of americans say that they don't really like brittish humor. why is this? for example, i saw a video on youtube of jimmy carr, and there was a comment saying that british humor isn't funny. why not ? i think jimmy carr is hilarious, but i dont just mean him in particular, just the brittsh comedy in general....
2006-10-27 01:13:43 · 40 answers · asked by sillyfatelephant 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Other - Society & Culture
No way. British humor is the best. From Benny Hill to Monty python, they are the best. It is hard to understand them sometimes but me and my brothers agree that some of the best humor comes from the Brits. Even the way you speak certain words are amusing. Knickers for example, cracks me up. We love the Brits!
2006-10-27 01:17:46 · answer #1 · answered by RIDLEY 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Because British humour is more dead-pan or wit, Americans normally have to be prompted to laugh, normally by the Actor making a face gesture...
Don't forget, they are the ones whom never get Irony!
British Humour: Monty Python, Dick Emery, The Office(just look at how they ruined that!), Benny Hill, The Goodies....
American Humour: Friends, Joey, Two and a half men..
Although I will admit that comedians such as: Eddy Murphy, Richard Prior, Gene Wilder, Laural and Hardy, The Marx Bros, and various others are very good. And the Simpsons (now that Homer is the main bulk of the jokes).
2006-10-27 01:24:24 · answer #2 · answered by Niall S 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I like some British humour but with anything we do not live in Britain so we do not get the same jokes as you do. Most people can get American humour as they see it on TV and can relate thru that. You know how some things are not funny unless you been there and all of Britain understands jokes about the queen and stuff we don't. I use to always think that old bald guy that got chased around by women was funny. My mom loves British humour she watches it all the time. So guess that is why i was exposed to it as a child.
2006-10-27 01:20:15 · answer #3 · answered by lost_soul 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I understand that there may be a number of reasons, but one that I know of has to do with irony. The British and the American view irony in diferent ways, so for some it is impossible to enjoy both humour from both sides of the Atlantic. Ameican humour generally is more brash and bolder whereas British humour tends to be more sarcastic. The mis-matched nature of the two styles is highlighted when you see American versions of British sitcoms and British versions of American sitcoms (ie, Mad About You, Archie Bunker/Alf Garnet, Red Dwarf, etc.) For some reason, (most likely irony) writers and producers can't cope with material designed for audiences on the other side of the Atlantic. However, I feel that it is possible to enjoy both types of humour. I have never come across anyone who can only enjoy American or British humour, not both.
2006-10-27 01:36:25 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's a a bit of a generalization! There are 300 million of them and as far as I know, quite a few Monty Python fans...
Having said that, your average american on the street does tend to be a bit unironic - European humour tend to be quite biting and includes a sarcastic element that a lot of americans don't really get. Go to the US and try sarcasm - sometimes they just say "oh really?"
One problem might be that the level of comedy there (as exemplified by their best TV sitcoms: see Cool Your Enthusiasm or Seinfeld...) is actually extremely high, and sometimes your average UK comedy is just sh*te - or good but completely culturally specific (like League of Gentlemen?)...
2006-10-27 01:22:37 · answer #5 · answered by Alyosha 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Although I agree in general that americans don't like british humour I just wanted to say some do get it and also produce some great stuff of their own. The Simpsons! Doh!
I think the ones who don't get it are trying soooo hard to be sincere. Have a nice day.
2006-10-27 01:27:59 · answer #6 · answered by Jack c 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it is because they just don't understand Sarcasm although I would have to agree with the person who said Jimmy Carr is rubbish because he really is rubbish
Also note to the person who mentioned Laurell and Hardy as American only Hardy was and he wasn't the one who wrote the most of the material Stan Laurell was English
2006-10-27 01:38:52 · answer #7 · answered by Peachy Girl 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Does anyone in Britain understand some American humour, British humour is based on british culture which all British know, so it is always going to be a challenge for Americans to really understand what we are all laughing about.
2006-10-27 01:51:54 · answer #8 · answered by Latin Techie 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not all Americans dislike British humor. Some of them just don't get it. I like British humor. Monty Python's Flying Circus is one of my favorite shows. I watch it whenever I get a chance. I really liked that show Red Dwarf too. It was funny.
2006-10-27 01:21:36 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I am American and live in the South and I think British humor is THE FUNNIEST around. Eddie Izzard, Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders, Monty Python, Joanna Lumley and Jennifer Saunders in Absolutely Fabulous!, Wallace and Gromit, lots of funny things. I enjoy BBC America as well.
2006-10-27 01:35:12 · answer #10 · answered by a_delphic_oracle 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋