British humour

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British humour is a somewhat general term applied to certain comedic motifs that are often prevalent in comedic acts originating in the United Kingdom and its current or former colonies. Comedy acts and television programmes typical of British humour include Monty Python, Benny Hill, and Keeping Up Appearances to name a few that have become quite popular outside of the United Kingdom. At times, however, such humour can seem puzzling to non-British speakers of English (references to English slang terms or people, who are unknown internationally for example) while certain Commonwealth nations (such as Australia, Canada and South Africa) tend to find it more familiar. Many UK comedy TV shows typical of British humour have been internationally popular, and have been a strong avenue for the export and representation of British culture to an international audience.

Contents

[edit] Historical roots

Some deep roots for British humour are:

The changes in British culture are naturally mirrored by changes in humour.

[edit] General features

Some general features characteristic of British humour are:

What stands out from this list is the importance of verbal humour as a key element. This is not to say that British humour has no place for visuals; but to take a classic example, Benny Hill, whose work was quite visual indeed, was extremely popular in his day, but has long since failed to arouse much interest with British audiences. In the U.S. and France, however, he is still widely regarded as a comic genius.

Compare this with typical "classics" of UK humour, such as the "Parrot Sketch" from Monty Python, which are usually notable for the fact that fans can repeat them verbatim.

[edit] Themes

A seaside postcard by Donald McGill 1954
A seaside postcard by Donald McGill 1954

Some themes (with examples) that underpinned late twentieth-century British humour were:

[edit] Smut and innuendo

Smut and innuendo with sexual and scatological themes, typified by:

[edit] Disrespect to members of the establishment

Disrespect to members of the establishment and authority, typified by:

[edit] The absurd

Green Wing (2004-2007), a sitcom set in a hospital, but featuring nothing medical. Used experimental filming, surreal jokes and strong female leads.
Green Wing (2004-2007), a sitcom set in a hospital, but featuring nothing medical. Used experimental filming, surreal jokes and strong female leads.

The absurd and the surreal, typified by:


[edit] The dark

Dark humour (Also called black humour), refers to situations which are normally unacceptable, but seem funny in this case.

[edit] The manic

[edit] The humour inherent in everyday life

The Office (2001-2003) is mainly based on mundane office life. This is one of the most successful British comedies, being exported to several countries.
The Office (2001-2003) is mainly based on mundane office life. This is one of the most successful British comedies, being exported to several countries.

The humour, not necessarily apparent to the participants, inherent in everyday life, as seen in:

[edit] The 'war' between parents/teachers and children

The 'war' between parents/teachers and their children, typified by:

[edit] The British class system

The British class system, especially pompous or dim-witted members of the upper/middle classes or embarrassingly blatant social climbers, typified by:

[edit] The lovable rogue

Blackadder (1983-1989), a sitcom set in several periods of British history. The title character is an antihero, being rude and mean to almost everyone, particularly his servant Baldrick.
Blackadder (1983-1989), a sitcom set in several periods of British history. The title character is an antihero, being rude and mean to almost everyone, particularly his servant Baldrick.

The lovable rogue, often from the impoverished working class, trying to 'beat the system' and better himself, typified by:

[edit] The embarrassment of social ineptitude

The embarrassment of social ineptitude, typified by:

[edit] Making fun of foreigners

Borat! Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan (2006), a film featuring a fictional news reporter from Kazakhstan, played by a British comedian, making fun of prejudiced Americans.
Borat! Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan (2006), a film featuring a fictional news reporter from Kazakhstan, played by a British comedian, making fun of prejudiced Americans.

Making fun of foreigners, sometimes bordering on racism and especially common in television sitcoms and films of the 1970s, typified by:

[edit] Bullying and harsh sarcasm

Harsh sarcasm and bullying, though with the bully usually coming off worse than the victim - typified by:

[edit] Parodies of stereotypes

Making fun of British stereotypes, typified by:

[edit] Tolerance of, and affection for, the eccentric

Tolerance of, and affection for, the eccentric, especially when allied to inventiveness

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  • Sutton, David. A chorus of raspberries: British film comedy 1929-1939. Exeter: University of Exeter Press, (2000) ISBN 0-85989-603-X

[edit] External links