The American Way -- Humor
Is humor a universal experience? Well, it's true that people all over the world enjoy a good laugh. But every culture's funny bone is tickled
a different way. Humor is based onshared experiences and background
knowledge. As a result, non-Americans have a hard time seeing why
American jokes are funny, even if they know what the words mean. But if
you know what to look for, you can learn to appreciate American humor.
The pun, or the play on words, is a basic part of American humor. Puns are based on words that have a double meaning or words that sound alike. For example, one man saw an expensive car wrapped around a tree after an accident. He said, "That's the way the Mercedes Benz!" The obvious pun is that Benz sounds like bends. Some people consider the pun a low form of humor, but many Americans still enjoy "pun"-ishing each other.
Other types of American humor are based on language, too. Knock-knock jokes, popular with children, follow a standard format:
Knock knock!
Who's there?
Dozen.
Dozen who?
Dozen (Doesn't) anybody want to let me in?
Riddles have been around for thousands of years. Americans also enjoy this kind of question-and-answer humor:
■ What is black when it's clean and white when it's dirty? A blackboard.
■ What asks no questions but gets many answers? A doorbell.
■ What starts with T, ends with T and is full of T (tea)? A teapot.
People in America like making each other laugh. Even if they are not professional comedians, most people think they have a good sense of humor. A favorite American style of joking around is "pulling somebody's leg." That means telling someone a story which is untrue—maybe even a "tall tale"—while keeping a straight face. At other times, Americans use funny voices or sound effects to spice up a story. Their body language and facial expressions add to the humor.
Sometimes, though, people in America make jokes about others. Mothers-in-law, politicians, teachers and ethnic groups are the target of many jokes. Here's one: An absent-minded college professor left a note on his office door that said, " I'II be back in one hour." When he returned, he read the note and sat down to wait for himself. Get it?
Making fun of others like this might reflect just a playful attitude. But it can also reflect jealousy, anger or resentment. While these jokes are just for fun, they may not be funny to everyone— especially the target.
America is a funny place. If you need a laugh, it's not far away. Just pick up a newspaper and scan the "funny pages" for your favorite comic strip. Or turn on the TV and watch a comedy show. Mail a smile to a friend by sending a humorous greeting card. And watch for amusing situations around you in real life. Telling stories about funny experiences is a great way to brighten up someone's day. Hey, did you hear about the time I...
The pun, or the play on words, is a basic part of American humor. Puns are based on words that have a double meaning or words that sound alike. For example, one man saw an expensive car wrapped around a tree after an accident. He said, "That's the way the Mercedes Benz!" The obvious pun is that Benz sounds like bends. Some people consider the pun a low form of humor, but many Americans still enjoy "pun"-ishing each other.
Other types of American humor are based on language, too. Knock-knock jokes, popular with children, follow a standard format:
Knock knock!
Who's there?
Dozen.
Dozen who?
Dozen (Doesn't) anybody want to let me in?
Riddles have been around for thousands of years. Americans also enjoy this kind of question-and-answer humor:
■ What is black when it's clean and white when it's dirty? A blackboard.
■ What asks no questions but gets many answers? A doorbell.
■ What starts with T, ends with T and is full of T (tea)? A teapot.
People in America like making each other laugh. Even if they are not professional comedians, most people think they have a good sense of humor. A favorite American style of joking around is "pulling somebody's leg." That means telling someone a story which is untrue—maybe even a "tall tale"—while keeping a straight face. At other times, Americans use funny voices or sound effects to spice up a story. Their body language and facial expressions add to the humor.
Sometimes, though, people in America make jokes about others. Mothers-in-law, politicians, teachers and ethnic groups are the target of many jokes. Here's one: An absent-minded college professor left a note on his office door that said, " I'II be back in one hour." When he returned, he read the note and sat down to wait for himself. Get it?
Making fun of others like this might reflect just a playful attitude. But it can also reflect jealousy, anger or resentment. While these jokes are just for fun, they may not be funny to everyone— especially the target.
America is a funny place. If you need a laugh, it's not far away. Just pick up a newspaper and scan the "funny pages" for your favorite comic strip. Or turn on the TV and watch a comedy show. Mail a smile to a friend by sending a humorous greeting card. And watch for amusing situations around you in real life. Telling stories about funny experiences is a great way to brighten up someone's day. Hey, did you hear about the time I...
