Humor, comedy, jokes — the art of funniness is extremely challenging for non-native speakers of a language to master.
Humor is incredibly nuanced. It often relates to pop culture or incorporates advanced language elements like wordplay, and these factors making it very challenging for even fluent non-native speakers to fully comprehend jokes and start making their own.
English is no different. In fact, non-native English speakers are doubly challenged because there are distinct differences between British humor (or as they'd write it, "British humour") and American humor, adding another layer of complexity.
Just like there are differences in pronunciation , spelling, and slang between the two countries, American comedy and British comedy have distinct stylistic differences. Let's get into it.
1. Subtlety While American humor tends toward clear setups and obvious punchlines, British comedy typically leans more into subtleties.
An American might deliver a joke with a clear punchline for an immediate reaction, while a Brit might tell the same joke with a deadpan expression or even forgo the punchline altogether, leaving you to figure out the humor on your own. This subtlety often defines British wit, where the joke might lie more in what’s unsaid or the understatement of an absurd situation rather than in a direct punchline. Sarcasm, irony, and dry deliveries are also staples of British humor.
For non-native speakers, the American version is much simpler to comprehend because it generally relies less on nuance. British humor, on the other hand, may involve wordplay, irony, or cultural references that require a deeper understanding of the language and context to fully appreciate.
Take, for instance, the classic British sitcom The Office . Much of the humor comes from awkward silences, understated remarks, and characters who take themselves too seriously, all of which create a sense of cringe-worthy yet relatable humor.
While the U.S. version of the show has maintained those unique British subtleties, it also features outlandish physical gags and overtly funny situations that cater to an American audience. Watch this clip of the American iteration of The Office , for example:
2. Confidence and Self-Deprecation A common difference in American jokes and humor is how they play around confidence and applaud success. Americans might joke about how great they are or how they could be the next Bill Gates anytime soon, knowing it might clearly be an exaggeration.
For example, someone in the United States might say, “I’m basically a genius ,” after solving a simple problem, and everyone laughs because it’s said in a lighthearted way.
Meanwhile, British humor tends to lean towards deprecation, where people are comfortable with “losing” and the inevitability of failure. A British person might say, “Well, that was a disaster,” even if they did something perfectly fine. The humor comes from downplaying their success or abilities.
Take a look at this clip of British comedian Josh Widdicombe demonstrating this signature British self-deprecation in his standup comedy:
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3. Absurdity If you listen closely to American comedians their comedy style is often factual, usually focusing on things that could actually happen. They could laugh about relatable everyday situations, like getting stuck in a sudden rainstorm or losing their keys.
American comedian Jerry Seinfeld is the textbook example of this kind of observational, fact-based comedy. Check out this brief clip:
In sharp contrast, British humor often goes for the absurd. British comedians might make up the most ridiculous stories to sound funny. Think of something difficult to fathom, like a glow-in-the-dark ice cream or an outfit made from kitchen tools.
British comedy troupe Monty Python is the perfect example of British absurd humor. For instance:
4. Physical Comedy American humor often incorporates a more physical element, known as slapstick. This type of comedy involves exaggerated physical activity that exceeds the boundaries of normal physical comedy. It’s the humor of falling down, getting hit in the face with a pie, or performing elaborate pratfalls — all designed to elicit laughter through exaggerated, almost cartoonish physicality.
Take the classic American comedy show The Three Stooges , for example. The trio's comedy was rooted in their absurd and often violent slapstick routines, with poking eyes, pulling hair, and tripping over each other’s feet being staples of their act.
Here's a clip of the Stooges' classic physical-based comedy:
This style of humor contrasts sharply with British comedy, which is typically less physical and more verbal or situational. While British shows like Mr. Bean also use slapstick, it’s often underpinned by a layer of subtlety and social awkwardness, making it feel more restrained and nuanced compared to the overt physicality of American slapstick.
For non-native speakers, American slapstick humor is often easier to grasp because it transcends language barriers and relies on visual cues. However, it can still be tricky to fully appreciate without understanding the cultural context behind the exaggerated antics.
5. Political Correctness Political correctness plays a significant role in differentiating American and British humor. American comedy often navigates around sensitive topics more carefully, adhering to a greater sense of political correctness. This caution stems from the diverse and multicultural nature of American society, where avoiding offensive language and stereotypes is crucial to appeal to a broad audience.
For example, in the U.S., comedians might steer clear of making jokes that could be perceived as offensive to specific groups, instead opting for safer, more universally acceptable humor. This approach can sometimes limit the range of topics comedians feel comfortable exploring, leading to a focus on everyday situations, observational comedy, or physical humor.
In contrast, British humor tends to be more irreverent, with comedians often tackling taboo subjects and pushing boundaries in ways that might be considered risky in American contexts. British comedians might use satire and dark humor to address serious issues like politics, class, or social norms, often delivering jokes with a straight face and a touch of irony.
For non-native speakers, this distinction can be challenging to navigate. What might be considered funny and acceptable in one culture could be seen as offensive or inappropriate in the other. Understanding the cultural context behind these comedic choices is essential to fully appreciating the humor.
6. Slang The use of slang is another area where American and British humor diverge significantly.
American comedians frequently incorporate contemporary slang and pop culture references into their routines, making their humor feel current and relatable to younger audiences. Terms like “ghosted” and “binge-watching” or acronyms like “FOMO” (fear of missing out) are commonly used in jokes, reflecting the ever-evolving nature of American English .
In contrast, British humor often includes more traditional slang and regional expressions that might be less familiar to international audiences. Words like “knackered” (tired), “chuffed” (pleased), or “taking the mickey” (teasing) are woven into jokes, adding a distinct British flavor that can be both charming and bewildering for those not accustomed to these terms.
For non-native speakers, understanding these slang differences can be a challenge. American slang tends to be more influenced by mainstream media and is often quickly adopted by English speakers worldwide. British slang, however, can be more localized and nuanced, making it harder to grasp without a deep understanding of British culture.
This linguistic gap can create confusion when interpreting jokes from either side of the Atlantic. What might be a common, humorous expression in one culture could leave the other audience scratching their heads.
7. Political Humor Political humor is a cornerstone of both American and British comedy, but each approaches it in distinct ways.
In the United States, political humor often revolves around satirical commentary on current events, politicians, and policies. The Daily Show is a prime example, using humor to critique and analyze political news in a way that is both informative and entertaining.
The humor here is often direct, aiming to elicit a response by highlighting the absurdities of the political landscape.
British political humor, however, tends to be more nuanced and biting, often relying on irony and understatement.
It might take the form of satirical sketches, like those seen on Have I Got News for You , which mock the inefficiencies and peculiarities of the political system in a more subdued manner. British comedians frequently employ a dry, deadpan delivery, allowing the audience to read between the lines and draw their own conclusions.
British political humor is often more class-conscious, poking fun at the upper echelons of society and the traditional establishment, while American political humor may focus more on individual personalities and media spectacle.
Last Week Tonight with John Oliver is an interesting example. An American late night program, this show is targeted at an American audience but hosted by a British comedian, resulting in a unique mix of the comedic traits of each country. Explore this clip of John Oliver discussing UK elections:
Get In On the Joke with BoldVoice Understanding the nuances of humor, whether it’s British wit or American slapstick, is like unlocking a new level of language mastery. For non-native speakers, grasping these comedic differences can enhance both comprehension and cultural appreciation, making conversations more engaging and authentic.
It’s not just about learning the language; it’s about connecting with people through the shared joy of laughter.
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