British and American

sense of humor

Names: Gabriela Calvo Beatriz Ganga

Introduction

Sense of humour (AmE humor) an ability to see the funny side of life, is considered essential by most British and American people.

Humour is a phenomenon which is influenced by culture.

Factors: age, personal experience, level of education and geographical location.

Definitions

Sarcasm: using witty language to convey insults or scorn.

Irony: Someone says the opposite of what they mean and

the listener believes the opposite of what they said.

Joke: short story ending with a funny climactic twist

Definitions

Slapstick: a boisterous form of comedy marked by chases, collisions, and crude practical

jokes, like slipping on banana skins.

Clown: to act stupidly, often to make other people laugh.

Anecdote: any interesting event, either having to do with

a celebrity or something smaller, that helps the

humourist make a point

British humour

The main feature in the British humor is definitely the SARCASM.

The macabre, the absurd, the ironies of life and the misfortunes own and others are usually the center of the target of British comic spirit

“It is clear that humour is far superior to humor” Oscar Wilde

British humour

Sarcasm

Example. ‘Wow, that’s a surprise’ when

something was very predictableSlapstick

Childish behavior

British humour

Very important! when you are talking with British people, they say jokes

with a serious tone, and you don´t know when they're kidding you, so to understand them, you must be connected with the conversation.

British humour

American Humor It's interesting how often

American comedy is about classism, sexism, elitism, racism and immigration issues, all diseases of our society.

It is through humor that Americans overcome their anxieties and discomfort with these issues.

American Humor

More slapstick and

physical comedy LessUnderstatement

American Humor

Observational

techniques

Lol has gone from meaning, "laugh out loud"

to "I havenothing else to say".

Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you

how the person died.

Americans don't do irony

"just kidding!!"

 "If you don't come out tonight, I'm going to have you shot... just kidding!”

American Humor

Conclusion

• British use irony on a daily basis, whereas it is not the foundation of American humour.

• American are more slapstick than British.• British use childish behaviour.

For the British, American comedies are too superficial.

For Americans, British comedies are so sophisticated and cold that it is hard to understand them.