Americans rated most hilarious in global poll

[Sleator]

Purely based on numbers, it's pretty much a sure thing.

In reality , though....

 

[Phil47uk]

I believe you're taking my use of the word "argue" well out of context, but I understand that you're taking the piss out of me, so it's OK. Yes, Americans are more sensitive, but I think that this particular form of dialog has a great deal more to do with tension between Brits and Americans, as Brits can come off as confrontation and condescending, and Americans as overly defensive and hostile. If we were sitting at a bar having a round of beers, I know it would be laughter all around. The subtleties of both our cultures and ways of conversing are lost in the interwebs. A cheers to you with my pissy American beer

.. Yeah well of course there are many different types in all cultures and we have just a big a share of morons in this country as anywhere else.
You are correct Dan, Brit humour is very condescending often couched in sour compliment, but at the end of the day, as you quite rightly said, at the bar over a few beers, who cares an we can all laugh together.

A very funny thing once happened to me in Arizona . I was talking to some locals in a guitar shop who seemed fascinated by my accent and we got talking guitars.
After about ten minutes I told them I must go outside as I could murder a fag. You should have seen their faces.
Some didn't know where to look and one said Jeez man I didn't realize you Brits were so violent and homophobic..
It then suddenly dawned on me what I had said and burst out laughing which made them even more wary of me.
I then explained that in England ' a fag' was slang for cigarette. In other words I'd have to go outside as I really could do with a cigarette.

We all had a great laugh about it and one said " Hey you guys are really cool" and invited my wife and I and kids for a BBQ the next day.
Yeah I've had some great times in the States.

 

[bildozr]

Language:
[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EOVAj6l7cS4]YouTube - ‪Nick Swardson 'Hold The Baby' Stand Up‬‏[/ame]

 

[Caleb]

First off, I am a big fan of British humour. F%ck The Office, I can laugh my ass off for days just reading Phil and Vasco insulting each other. Love it.

That being said, there is no question the Brits are a bit clannish about their humour. "Well you wouldn't get it", etc.

On the other hand, if some guy from some other culture told me he thought The Hangover, or Seinfeld, or King of the Hill was crap, I would not tell him he just doesn't get American humor. Everyone has their own tastes.

Laughing has been around far longer than borders.

EDIT: When I had the fortune to visit England, I damn near laughed my balls off. Great people.

 

[Lysol]

There are no funnier shows than the Brit shows: "Faulty Towers" and "Bottom" IMO.

 

[mgenet]

• Black Adder - The art of the put down; snide, nasty, and cruel.
• Yes, Minister - Political satire and still fresh even in today's political arena, in ANY country.
• Fawlty Towers - Built upon Feydeau.

These shows run the gamut from absurdest, situational and/or satire, and could have all emanated any country. You don't need to know anything about the British to GET those comedies.

Each is different and distinct in their approach to humor. I am sure that is why they translated very well in the American market. But, the fact that they did make it in the American market says a lot about the universality of each of the series' themes.